Small Streams May Flood Today

The National Weather Service warns that small streams and creeks in western Kootenai County could flood today.

“We just assume with all the snowmelt that creeks in general are running high. We don’t know of any particular problem areas in Kootenai County,” said Ron Miller, a meteorologist with the weather service.

The weather service has issued an “urban and small stream warning” for the western sections of Kootenai, Benewah and Latah counties.

With a freezing level at about 6,000 feet and up to an inch of rain expected today, Kootenai County officials are preparing for the worst.

“We’re sitting here with quite a bit of concern about tomorrow and the next day,” said William Schwartz, the county’s director of disaster services.

Disaster services has sandbags available for citizens through local fire departments. Citizens can call fire departments directly, and should not call 911, Schwartz said.

For areas in which the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch, citizens can request up to 100 sandbags at no charge. If a flood watch is not in effect, there will be a minimal fee.

In particular, Schwartz said he’s concerned about areas such as Latour Creek in Cataldo and Hauser Lake. “It appears we’ll be in good shape on Lake Coeur d’Alene because the lake level is way down,” he said, adding that a new spillway on Hayden Lake also should keep the water level there manageable.

Miller said temperatures are expected to drop back below freezing by the end of the week.