Flood — Clearwater, Idaho

2017-03-16 · near Ahsahka, Clearwater, Idaho

Event narrative

Abundant rain and low elevation snow melt in the upper portions of Orofino Creek near Pierce led to high stream flows on the 15th, followed by minor flooding on the 16th. Multiple homes and property were sandbagged to prevent flooding across southwest portions of the county. Jim Ford Creek flooded multiple properties in the Weippe area. Clearwater County declared a state of emergency because of all the mudslide, debris and river issues. Although the most severe flooding occurred on or near the 16th, another culvert gave way and caused Grangemont Road to shut down mile-marker 22 on March 25th lasting until April 5th. Total estimated cost of road repairs was 3 million dollars due to landslide failures.

Wider weather episode

An atmospheric river brought several inches of rainfall to central Idaho which was already soaked from previous rains. This contributed to mudslides that shut down roads and flooding that affected residences and property.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (46.5010, -116.4240)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 679573. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.