RIVER STORY 2: Water level of local rivers rising, flooding not anticipated |
| May 16, 2014 |
|
The Kootenai River has risen approximately four
feet over the past couple of days. Its current
level is about four feet below the river's minor
flood stage. Part of this rise in the river is
due to a planned and controlled release from
Libby Dam as part of the efforts to enhance
sturgeon migration and spawning (see River Story
1 for more details). Unless there is an unexpected change in conditions, it is not anticipated that the Kootenai River will exceed its flood stage this season. The Moyie River has risen about a foot over the past couple of days, to a level about 1.25 feet below its minor flood stage. National Weather Service probability calculations regarding river levels on the Moyie currently tend to show levels increasing even further into the coming week, however the river level is not expected to cross into flood ranges. Barring unanticipated changes in weather and conditions, the Moyie is predicted to begin gradual decreases in flow beginning the second week of June. |