Preparations for potential flooding

Significant levels of snowpack and impending spring runoff has Brigham City preparing for high water flows and potential flooding, particularly along the Box Elder Creek corridor.

While spring runoff isn’t anticipated until early to mid-April, this is largely dependent on temperatures and rain events in the water capture zone.

Residents in the Box Elder Creek corridor can prepare for potential flooding by filling and placing sand bags to help protect their property. Empty sand bags and bulk sand are available at the compost facility at 820 N. Watery Lane. Residents can fill bags at the site and pay $1 per filled bag. Facility staff will not fill the bags, and residents should bring their own shovels.

The site is open Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Residents can fill and purchase as many sandbags as needed for their protective measures. At this time, only sand bags and sand are available. In the event of an emergency, site hours and staffing will be adjusted as needed.

The City has taken measures to help prevent and mitigate flood risks, including filling sandbags to help protect critical infrastructure, drawing down the level of Mantua Reservoir to help control and capture high water flows, and cleaning debris out of the Box Elder Creek channel that could impede water flows.

When spring runoff begins, Brigham City crews will monitor high-risk areas along the Box Elder Creek and in the Mantua drainage areas and will work to minimize potential flooding.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Brigham City's notification system here. You'll be asked for your address as part of the sign-up process. This allows us to send you notifications specific to your neighborhood.

The following additional tips were shared by Box Elder County:

• If you have had flooding issues in the past, assess your current flooding risk.
• Get sump pumps for basement leakage from groundwater.
• Watch for notices of emergency sandbag filling operations from your city/town on their social media sites.
• Clear out your gutters, downspouts, irrigation ditches, and storm drains of debris that could clog and cause a dam.
• Move snow away from window wells and the foundation of your house.
• Seal any cracks or leaks in the walls or foundation of your house.
• Make a personal preparedness plan with your family.
• Check on elderly neighbors or neighbors who may have special needs. Lend a hand to help them prepare their house for possible flooding.
• Sign up for Box Elder County Emergency Management Communication Alert System CodeRED. You can download it from the Google Play Store or Apple Store. It's quick, easy, and free to sign up.