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Elk REQUEST FOR ACTION River TO ITEM NUMBER Ci Council 5.2. AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY Administration March 7, 2011 T. John Cunningham, Fire Chief irector of Emer enc Mana ement ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED B)/ Spring Flooding Update Lori ohnson, Ci Administrator REVIEWED BY ACTION REQUESTED Consider options fox assisting residents in preparing for potential spring flooding. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION As you are probably aware, weather forecasters are predicting higher than usual flooding throughout the State this year. In fall 2010, we experienced significant precipitation which has continued through the winter. On the positive side, frost depths are shallow (1 '/z feet or less) since much of the snow arrived at the same time as the cold weather. This has provided some insulation to the soil. Prior to the freeze, most rivers were running above normal and river ice has formed and ice jams have been reported in upper portions of the Mississippi River. The Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and the National Weather Service (NWS) are reporting the potential for widespread flooding. According to HSEM, the Upper Mississippi basin will be contributing unlike in past years. At the present time, [Elk River] emergency management and city staff are monitoring the situation. Hydrologists and forecasters are still developing more accurate models to predict potential flooding. The degree of flooding will be impacted by any additional precipitation that occurs prior to the melt and to the degree in which the melt occurs. A slow melt is optimal -temperatures in the high/mid 30's to lower 40's during the day and overnight low 20's. Rain and/or higher, constant (day/night) temperatures will increase the melt rate and add more water to the situation. We are expecting additional reports within the next week from the State. The city, through the fire department, was represented at the Governor's Conference in St. Paul on February 23, 2011. Emergenry management staff will continue to receive updates as they are published by HSEM and the NWS. Local Impact While it is difficult to predict at this time the local impact of flooding within the city limits, staff has been closely monitoring the situation and has begun taking precautionary/preparatory measures. The widespread (statewide) potential of flooding has begun to be showcased on media outlets, leading to an increase of questions and concerns from citizens. Historically over the past few years, the city as a whole has fared very well during the spring melt. While localized flooding has occurred in low-lying areas, we have not experienced the same level of severe flooding and destruction seen in other areas of the state, including cities to our south. N:\PubGc Bodies\Ciry Council\Council RCA\Agenda Packet\03-07-2011\2011-03-07%20Spring%20Flooding%20Update[1].docx