The Big Melt (Cedar Rapids, IA)
Melting ice and snow over the next week means that local rivers and streams – including theIowa, Rock, and SkunkRivers- are at risk for ice jams andflooding.When soils are already saturated with water, theyare not be able to absorb as much new moisture from melting snow and ice, meaning that a large amount of water is likely to run off into rivers and streams. Water can also pool in areas around your home where soil is saturated.
Viewer Tip: One cubic foot of piled, compacted, or drifted snow can contain several gallons of water. You can protect the areas around your home from flooding by moving any snow on the ground away from the house. Also, make sure downspouts from the roof carry water several feet away from your home to a well-drained area. Just three-inches of snow on a 1000 square foot roof can create more than 600 gallons of water!
Season: Spring
(Sources: NOAA National Weather Service.Cedar Rapids, IA, March 13, 2008;National Flood Insurance Program, “Spring Flooding.” http://www.floodsmart.gov/)