Heavy rain from Atmospheric River causes landslides, rocks on roads, downed trees

by Nancy C. Butler

There have been numerous problems with landslides, rocks and water on roads and downed trees with the heavy rain from the Atmospheric River hanging over the area.

While not many clear reports are available, emergency scanner traffic has been busy with officers responded to numerous locations on U.S. Highway 12, as well as county roads and residential areas.

Earlier Friday, there was a landslide just east of the Orofino Bridge on US 12. Traffic was delayed for a several hours with both total closure and then one lane was opened by evening, the road was fully opened. However, late that evening more came down. Below are photos of the afternoon slide from the Idaho Transportation Department Facebook page:

City of Orofino posted the following on their Facebook page:

"We are aware of current flooding conditions affecting parts of our community. Our Public Works crew is actively on-site working to improve drainage however they can. The drainage system is currently at capacity and overflowing due to the volume of water. Our team is monitoring the situation closely. Report any emergencies to the City and please stay safe."

National Weather Service-Missoula reported these totals:

Rain

• Orofino (Dworshak National Fish Hatchery): 24 hours-1.12 inches, 72 hours-2.17 inches
• Pierce Ranger Station: 24 hours-1.1 inches, 72 hours--2.5 inches
• Weippe: 24 hours-0.45 inches, 72 hours--0.8 inches
• Elk River: 24 hours-1.7 inches, 72 hours-3.5 inches

Snow

Elk Butte SNOTEL, about 3,000 feet higher than Elk River, 10 inches Thursday by 7 p.m. and another inch Friday.

Clearwater River

While the Clearwater River has come up several feet in the last two days, it is not forecast to cause any flooding. The Orofino gauge was at 5.78 feet Thursday at 1:45 p.m., 8.49 feet at 6:15 Friday and was expected to crest at 11 p.m. Saturday at 13.96 feet. However, the forecasts do change as conditions warrant. Flood Action stage at the Orofino gauge is 16 feet.

Of more concern are the creeks and runoff from the canyon and hills. Residents and motorists need to use caution and watch for rocks, slides and water across roadways. Lower areas may have ponding or flooding.

For further information see: https://www.weather.gov/mso/hydrology.