River and stream awareness levels

Spring runoff is beginning and in Hot Springs County our Emergency Management Coordinator uses a color coding system to inform the public of awareness levels of the Bighorn River and area streams in Hot Springs County. These have been used in previous years.

As runoff season begins, here is a reminder of the awareness level of each color. The levels appear each week in this newspaper and are featured on social media. Complete information can be found under the Emergency Management Department tab at http://www.hscounty.com.

Level GREEN will be in effect:

• When weather conditions are considered seasonal, stream flows are at or near normal and no immediate threats exist.

Level BLUE will be announced:

• At such time as snowpack data or weather forecasts indicate eventual problems.

• Awareness level blue can be expected at the start of summer thunderstorm season for flash flooding.

• This level may be announced if extreme cold temperatures are forecast long-term

Level YELLOW will be announced:

When release from Boysen reaches 3,000 cubic feet/second (cfs)

• When short or long-term forecasts indicate conditions which are very likely to require vigilance. Examples: Heavy snowpack conditions exist, heavy rain forecast on snowpack or saturated soils, high temperatures on snowpack melting and runoff, extreme cold and ice observed on the river.

When Boysen releases reach 3,000cfs, signs will be posted around town and at boat launch areas stating that the river flow is high, use caution, be sure to wear a person floatation device (PFD).

Level ORANGE will be announced:

When any stream drainage in the county has reached full capacity and/or:

• Release flow from Boysen Dam is at 5,000 cubic feet/sec

• Cold temperatures are creating heavy ice flow.

Upon level orange ranchers are urged to move livestock to higher ground, away from frozen river, streams or ponds. Residents along affected waterways will be urged to be alert for rapidly rising water and be prepared to leave.

River Signage will change when flow reaches 5,000cfs to indicate increased risks River Signage will change when flow reaches 7,000cfs to indicate increased risks

Level RED will be announced when:

Release from Boysen Dam is announced to increase to 8,500 cfs, or when Anchor Dam has reached capacity and Owl Creek flows are uncontrolled, or when any stream in the county is at flood stage or when ice jams are forming in Hot Springs County. Those living along stretches of river that are jammed should be prepared to move to higher ground immediately. Livestock that have not already been should be moved to higher ground immediately. Upon announcement of level red, people and agencies in Hot Springs County should be fully engaged and alert for updates on conditions. Vehicles should be fueled, supplies packed including medications, evacuation destinations determined, families in close communication, elderly and at-risk population accounted for, facilities prepared and standing-by if evacuation is announced.

Hot Springs County Emergency Management Coordinator Stephanie Conrad can be reached at (307) 864-4649.