A new storm system underway and the effects of a cold, wet winter across Arizona are being felt.
Statewide flood monitoring has been extended through Wednesday as waterways are coping with potential swells.
Additional rain is expected late Tuesday through Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service’s Phoenix office. flood across the valley It can get worse before it gets better.
“Given the combination of very high stream flow and additional rainfall that is very significant in addition to the thaw, we have to remember that the snow cover is still well above average, so that snow is more Many will flow into various rivers and streams, and the situation will probably be worse than it is today.
Closed in winter
Winter weather conditions are already starting to hit the highways of northern Arizona. Series of closures already in placeThey include:
- State Route 260 in both directions east of Payson (MP 277-283).
- State Route 89A (MP 375-398) between Sedona and Flagstaff.
- Head north on State Route 87 at Payson.
- State Route 64 near Grand Canyon National Park East Entrance (MP 244-261).
In addition, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office placed Prescott residents in Granite Creek and Granite Gardens on “set conditions.” This means that people living nearby should prepare to evacuate as Granite Creek flows are increasing due to the necessary release of water from Watson Lake.
Mayer residents along Big Bug Creek on the East Stagecoach Trail and at Chimney Ranch RV Park are also in “steady state” due to rising water levels and should likewise be prepared to evacuate.
Currently, multiple flood warnings have been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology’s Phoenix office along Bartlett Lake to the confluence of the Gila River and the Tonto Creek area.
“It will continue for the next few days, or at least until early next week. These flood warnings could be extended until early next month,” Rogero said.
Moreover, according to Sgt. Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Joaquín Enriquez, Tonto National Forest, was forced to close several recreation areas due to flooding, particularly the Granite Reef, Von D Sutton and Coon Bluff areas.
“All of these low-water crossings will be flooded for the next few days,” Rogerro said.
Flood warnings have also been issued for the highlands of Arizona, with warnings in place for Yavapai and Coconino counties.
Forecast: More snow in northern Arizona.rain in the phoenix area
The central forecast for Tuesday showed steady rain in parts of Yavapai and northern Gila counties, likely to spread to more areas by nightfall. The forecast is for localized areas to be higher, with the majority of precipitation in the Phoenix area expected after midnight.
Northern Arizona saw snow at altitudes between 6,000 and 6,500 feet on Tuesday, with the Weather Service office in Flagstaff having six inches of “heavy wet snow” so far.
“This means that the moisture content of that snow is significant. A rough estimate would be 0.5 to 3/4 inches of liquid trapped in the fresh snow,” said the weather service. Flagstaff meteorologist Mark Stubblefield said. The office told the Republic.
This, combined with high-altitude thaw and already rising river currents, could cause more water to be released at the hands of the Salt River Project, causing even more severe flooding.
“The SRP may need to release more water along various dams, so we may see a little worse flooding conditions tonight and towards the second half of tomorrow,” said Rogerro. said Mr.
That said, this coming storm is firmly on the SRP’s radar.
“We are watching the storm very closely. It looks like it will hit the basin late tonight and early tomorrow. Not only will more snow accumulate in the reservoir, but more snow will melt, increasing the flow into the Verde River,” SRP spokesperson Patti Garcia Likens told The Republic.
SRP plan
“We have been releasing daily since March 2nd in anticipation of the fact that we will have a very active wet season winter through March 2nd. It was the second highest snowfall in 30 years,” said Garcia-Likens. “But it’s good that we’ve been releasing it all this time.”
SRP’s claim that it’s a “good thing” is that these storms bring more snow than the utility knows will eventually melt, adding to the Verde River reservoir. must be freed to make space.
“We need to create space. This is for the safety of the dams and the safety of the public. So that these dams can take in all the snow that will eventually melt in the coming weeks.” You have to,” said Garcia-Likens. He said.
Not only for safety, the water seeps into the ground and aquifers, helping to maintain fresh water sources in cities and agricultural irrigation.
Take advantage of: SRP is releasing stagnant water.but it won’t go to waste
How much moisture does SRP release?
“We are looking at increasing the release given the arrival of another storm. Right now we are at 11,000 cfs (cubic feet per second), but that could increase over the next 24-48 hours. It’s all about how fast the snow melts and how much snow it’s going to fall from the storm,” Garcia Likens said.
Required release: The Salt River is flowing.Thank you for opening the floodgates of the dam
At the time of reporting, the number was increased to approximately 12,073 cfs Between Bartlett Dam and Stewart Mountain Dam (Lake Saguaro). However, total inflow he hovered around 7,000 cfs, down from Monday’s average of 9,037 cfs.
However, SRP’s main concern is the Verde River.
“It’s the Verde system that we’re interested in. It’s currently at 83% (capacity), but that’s still very high given the fact that runoff will increase as it gets warmer. We’re looking forward to the season.” By the end of the day, we’re going to fill all these systems,” said Garcia Likens.
Looking at the numbers total reservoir systemhas a capacity of approximately 2.3 million acre feet and is currently 94% filled. For context, just one year ago the overall reservoir system was 71%.
Renovating Bartlett Dam to Hold More Water
Over the decades, the SRP has lost “a lot of capacity” to store water on the Verde side of the river due to increased sedimentation. In an effort to help the lost space, SRP is working to “fix” the Bartlett Dam in hopes of alleviating these problems.
“We are currently working with the Landfill Authority to modify the Bartlett Dam to hold more water,” said Garcia-Likens.
However, it will take some time.
“It’s a long process. Over the next 10 years, we want to change and grow that dam. If it were there now, we wouldn’t be releasing this water,” Garcia-Likens said. said Mr.
