The Schultz Creek culvert, which runs under US 180 in Flagstaff, is damaged and partially blocked, city officials said Thursday.
The full impact of the blockage is unknown, but city officials have warned that wildfire burn scars, especially on Pipeline West, could increase runoff into downstream communities.
The Arizona Department of Transportation owns the culvert and is working on a plan for repairs.
What areas may be affected?
Flagstaff officials say the heightened risk of flooding is now concentrated around the Coconino Estate.
Importantly, the Schultz Creek Reservoir, built to divert some of the floodwaters north of the area, is still functioning properly.
Why is the risk of flooding increasing this weekend?
After a record-breaking winter, Flagstaff is finally seeing warmer days in the forecast, creating the potential for rapid snowmelt from the San Francisco peaks to the Rio Defrag basin.
Temperatures ranged from the mid-50s to the high-60s, the warmest weather since winter with more than 100 inches of snow.
Worried about flooding?Here is what you can prepare
The city is not recommending additional mitigation measures at this time, other than those already in place after the pipeline fires.
Self-fill punching bag stations and a limited supply of ready-made punching bags are available in the parking lot near Thorpe Park Softball Field near Aztec Street and in the Coconino County Health and Human Services building at 2625 North King Street. increase. “Schultz Y” has been closed.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Residents with questions about flooding or sandbags can contact the city’s water service request line at 928-213-2102.
Contact reporter Lacey Latch in Northern Arizona. LLatch@gannett.com or on social media @laceylatch.
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