Flood — Benewah, Idaho

2011-04-02 to 2011-04-03 · near Fernwood, Benewah, Idaho

Event narrative

The Coeur D Alene Press reported that the St Maries River flooded it banks at Fernwood covering a manhole in town, leaking wastewater into the river. There were no direct impacts to health or wildlife.

Wider weather episode

A stationary trough of low pressure off the Pacific Northwest Coast steered a deep fetch of subtropical moisture into the Idaho Panhandle which persisted from the end of March through April 7th bringing several rounds of heavy rain. Mild temperatures and breezy winds accompanying the subtropical moisture feed resulted in excessive mid-elevation snowmelt. The combination of heavy rainfall and excessive runoff resulted in sharp rises in most basins within the Idaho Panhandle. In addition, saturated soils became unstable in some locations resulting in debris flows. There were no injuries or reports of damage to residences or businesses however, significant damage was observed along transportation infrastructure within Bonner, Boundary, Lewis, Nez Perce, and Shoshone Counties as well as the Nez Perce Reservation.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (47.1163, -116.4005)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 293801. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.