With warmer temperatures in the forecast, the Wasatch Front could get its first floods from spring runoff.
Kade Moncur, head of Salt Lake County’s flood mitigation efforts, warned that cold water will be moving rapidly through east-side creeks.
He urged residents to be careful around creeks and rivers, keep a close eye on their kids, and steer pets away from fast-moving water.
Moncur said ponding could occur in detention basins and parks in the following flood control sites:
Mill Creek
• Scott Avenue Park (Ben Franklin Park) — Millcreek.
• 550 East detention basin — South Salt Lake.
• Fitts Community Park — South Salt Lake.
Parleys Creek
• Tanner Park (Parleys Historic Nature Park) — Salt Lake City, Unincorporated Salt Lake County.
• Sugar House Park — Salt Lake City.
• Hidden Hollow in Sugar House Commons — Salt Lake City.
Emigration Creek
Emigration Creek will see increasingly high flows with this warming trend.
• Rotary Glen — Salt Lake City, Emigration Canyon Metro Township.
• Hogle Zoo area — Salt Lake City.
• Wasatch Hollow — Salt Lake City.
Red Butte Creek
• Red Butte Garden — Salt Lake City.
• Miller Park — Salt Lake City.
City Creek
• Upper Canyon ponds area — Salt Lake City.
• Memory Grove pond — Salt Lake City.
Jason Draper, flood control manager for Salt Lake City, cautioned that creekside parks and trails could be flooded.
He said officials don’t expect significant issues along the west side’s Jordan River or Surplus Canal But groundwater, especially west of the Jordan River along the levee, could be a continuing problem throughout the spring.
Spring runoff safety tips
• When going outdoors, tell someone where you are going or go with another person. Let someone know when you expect to return and leave a note on your dashboard.
• Water during spring runoff is high, currents are strong, and cold water is incapacitating.
• Know your surroundings and check weather ahead of time.
• If you are caught in water, float feet first in a half-sitting position.
• If someone else is in the water, reach out or throw something to them. Do not get in the water. Call 911 as soon as possible.
