Hot Springs County river and stream awareness level moves to yellow

The Hot Springs County river and stream awareness level recently changed from blue to yellow following a wet Memorial Day weekend.

Snow in the mountains and rain saturated the ground around the county.

As we see warmer temperatures, new ground moisture is available to feed thunderstorm growth. The potential for heavy localized rainfalls on already soaked countryside will increase the risk for flash flooding on individual creek drainages.

Increased flows in county drainages and the necessity for increases in release flows from Boysen Dam as snow begins melting out the Wind River Range is likely.

River and stream awareness levels in the county range from green to red. Last year, awareness levels stayed green for the entire year.

This week, the awareness level went to yellow meaning release from Boysen Dam reaches 3,000 cfs or short/long-term forecasts indicate conditions which are very likely to require vigilance. Examples include: heavy snowpack conditions, heavy rain, high temperatures that will increase runoff, etc.

As a reminder of what other awareness levels indicate, green is when weather conditions are considered seasonal, with stream flows at or near normal with no immediate threat existing.

Blue level indicates snowpack data or weather forecasts indicate eventual problems.

The current level, yellow, is the next level.

The orange level is announced when any stream drainage in the county has reached full capacity and/or release from Boysen Dam is at 5,000 cfs.

Red awareness level will be announced when release from Boysen Dam is at 8,500 cfs or Anchor Dam has reached capacity and Owl Creek flows are uncontrolled or when any stream in the county is at flood stage.

Bighorn River signage around town and at the boat launch areas will begin when the release from Boysen Dam reaches 3,000 cfs.

Be alert when traveling through Wind River Canyon because rain events can create mud slides and rock falls.

The color level ad following this story runs each week in the Independent Record.

More information can be found at http://www.hscounty.com and the Hot Springs County Emergency Managment facebook page.