When you think of flooding, images of rivers breaking levees and cars submerged in water come to mind. But what many people don’t realize is that everyone is at risk of snow melt spring flooding, even if you don’t live near a body of water.
Yampa River Flooding in Steamboat Springs, Colorado
We have a lot of snow in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Spring in the mountains is unpredictable – warmer sunny weather mixed with snow, sleet and rain; a perfect cocktail for flooding in Steamboat Springs. The frozen ground is slowly thawing but the rapidly melting snow and rain cannot be absorbed so creates runoff. Storm drains are often backed up, water levels are rising and streams are flowing fast. It only takes a few inches of water to cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. And in addition to flooding, this movement of water can also trigger landslides and cause damage to vegetation.
Yampa River Core Trail in Steamboat Springs, Colorado
To all the home owners out there, our suggestions to you are:
- Check sump pump and have back-up pump ready. Sump pump fail when over used. So don't get caught with a failed sump pump. Make sure your's is ready by pulling the float up and make sure it work. It's good to have a back up ready as well.
- Check the drainage around your home. Shovel snow away from your foundations if needed to redirect melt. If you find your home regularly surrounded by standing water you may need to have areas regraded.
- Check your roof: heavy wet snow may melt and slide off in big chunks and cause damage to whatever it lands on, including utility lines. Here's where snow fell on a gas pipe and caused a house fire.
- If your property is near a body of water be prepared for rising water levels – sandbagging, moving possessions to higher ground, ensure your sump pump is working efficiently. Here is a blog I’ve previously written about sump pumps.
- Don’t store your prize possessions in the basement, or at least put them on elevated shelving.
- If you do have interior flooding, remove wet contents immediately as mold can rapidly develop.
- Review your current homeowners insurance policy and become familiar with what is and is not covered. Flood damage is typically not covered without an additional flood policy.
And to all the dog owner out there, avoid letting your furry kids in the mountain streams until the snow melt subsides. It is very easy for them to be accidentally swept downstream in the spring run off.
Yampa River Flooding in Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Here’s looking forward to a great mud season!
Regards,
Charlie
Want to learn more about me? Charlie Dresen
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Real Estate Associate Broker | Sotheby’s
970-846-6435 | SteamboatsMyHome.com
610 Market Place Plaza, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
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