Rare warm streak puts rivers, lakes near crests
Lake Coeur d’Alene neared its crest Thursday about 3 feet below flood stage following the heavy rain and mild temperatures dating back more than a week.
Also Thursday, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office warned backcountry travelers to be wary of unplowed mountain roads after a number of travelers got trapped in snow that had been softened by the warm weather.
The warmup has sent an impressive rush of rain and snowmelt down the Coeur d’Alene and St. Joe rivers, but the inflow to Lake Coeur d’Alene was beginning to ease Thursday.
The St. Joe crested Wednesday but remained just below flood stage at St. Maries.
The Coeur d’Alene River at Cataldo crested early Monday about a foot above flood stage.
Downstream, the Spokane River has been rising all week and is expected to crest Sunday about 2 feet below flood stage.
The river on Thursday was measured at 21,200 cubic feet of water per second near Cochran Street west of downtown. That’s nearly four times the average flow for mid-February and more typical of spring runoff in May.
The roaring Spokane Falls is drawing onlookers along the banks and bridges.
The river is expected to remain high through the middle of next week before it starts falling slowly about Thursday.
National Weather Service forecasters are calling for more unusually mild weather for February, with highs in the 50s through Saturday and then slowly cooling down, with highs dropping back to the upper 40s on Sunday.
Sunshine and some clouds are expected through Presidents Day. A weak weather system could bring some rain next Friday night.
The five days of 50-degree-plus weather in Spokane on Thursday through Monday wasthe earliest string in the 50s since records started in 1881. The last time February saw a five-day string in the 50s was Feb. 10 through 14 in 1992. The average number of February days that mild in Spokane is three.
The mountains are not likely to see much, if any, snow since a northwesterly flow is expected to bring dry weather next week.
Kootenai County sheriff’s Sgt. Ryan Higgins said in a news release that U.S. Forest Service barricades have been opened on forest roads, luring unsuspecting and unprepared drivers into what became traps for them. He did not specify the number of people stranded.
“Although travel into the backcountry is no longer restricted at this time, the sheriff’s office is urging the use of common sense and backcountry preparedness if you are to attempt travel into these areas,” Higgins said in the news release.
He urged mountain travelers to pack tire chains, a heavy-duty shovel, a cellphone, a GPS device and extra food, water and clothing. Snow boots and blankets are advised, along with a flashlight and plenty of fuel. Fire starters also would be smart.
“Most importantly, tell someone where you are going and when you will return,” Higgins said.