The Courier
News
West Magic Cut Off By Flooding Last Wednesday, water began going over the spillway at Magic Reservoir. According to measurements made by the U.S. Geological Survey on Friday, the flow rate reached as much as 7400 cubic feet per second (CFS), or about 2000 CFS over previous records (photo to the right by Michael Flolo). On Tuesday the Big Wood Canal Company indicated a current outflow of 6000 CFS, meaning things are slowing down. That’s good news because the high water flow has caused the Big Wood River to overflow its banks in multiple locations down stream from the reservoir. Friday morning the West Magic Road was closed, effectively trapping residents of that area because the only other access (Cottonwoods Road across Macon Flat to Highway 20) has been washed out. As of Monday, Road & Bridge personnel and police are allowing supervised crossings by residents in the flooded area (tall, full size pick up or similar vehicle). Further downstream, the river is 3 to 4 times its normal width causing problems for residential and business properties. Richard Barney has a private bridge across the Big Wood, but it is completely under water and it may not survive because of the numerous tree piling up against it. The City of Shoshone is safe from the Big Wood, but they are preparing for flooding from the Little Wood River which flows right through the middle of town. It is safe in its banks for now, but conditions could change rapidly. Lincoln County Residents can fill sand bags at the fairgrounds for no charge. Near Gooding, residents only had about a day before the water started to rise. Several residents were caught by surprise, but thanks to numerous neighbors several homes were saved from major damage (bottom photo by Gustie
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
April 5, 2017
Volume 41 ~ Number 14
Cockerham-Renner). On Friday the Gooding County Commissioners declared a state of emergency and are urging drivers not to go around “Road Closed” signs. The water may not seem that deep, but many roadway edges have been eroded and you may not see the danger until it is too late. Camas County is not on the Big Wood River, but the early run-off has flooded numerous roads throughout the area. In Fairfield, the west branch of Soldier Creek which runs along 2nd Street West, has been overwhelming the culverts that take the water to the south end of town. Over the last couple of days cooler temperatures have slowed the runoff, but the National Weather Service is predicting rain this weekend with a 70% to 90% chance of precipitation on Friday. If you have been having problems with water, be prepared... there could be more on its way. In addition, residents of the area should understand that the main run-off period is not until May. Again, be prepared. REMINDER: Regardless of where you are traveling, if there is water running over a roadway, use extreme caution or better yet, find a different route.
Gooding Public Library hosts a special presentation of
Cowboy Poetry by Tommy Patton TONIGHT... April 5th at 6:30 p.m.