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Don't Get Caught By The Spring Thaw as Snow Melts

By
Real Estate Agent with The Group, Inc

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, CO

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.

 Flooding on the Core Trail in Steamboat Springs

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.

The flooding Yampa River

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

Change Your Experience

Real Estate Associate Broker | Sotheby’s

970-846-6435 | SteamboatsMyHome.com

610 Market Place Plaza, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

Comments (4)

Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

The poor dog.  I see you had lots of snow in your area with the ski area, so I hope people read this blog.

 

Mar 28, 2016 01:52 AM
Charlie Dresen

Dog love mud season. Not sure owners do. Plus the rivers are so high it's hard to get them clean. 

Mar 28, 2016 02:58 AM
Belinda Spillman
Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado - Aurora, CO
Colorado Living!

We are having a meltdown down here in the Mile High City as well.  

Mar 28, 2016 02:22 AM
Charlie Dresen

Yeah, I know you needed snow and water but that was a lot. I'm sure sump pumps are working overtime Belinda Spillman 

Mar 28, 2016 02:57 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Important information and great photos - especially the mud dog. ;) Happy Spring thaw to you Charlie. D 

Mar 28, 2016 02:55 AM
Charlie Dresen
The Group, Inc - Steamboat Springs, CO
Steamboat Springs, CO e-Pro

Debb - This is my favortie of time of year Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD But the mud gets old.

Mar 28, 2016 03:14 AM