Spring is just around the corner, and the snowpack in is above average levels in most of the state. If temperatures warm up too quickly we could be looking at some spring run off flooding. There could also be issues if the melting snowpack is combined with heavy spring rain. Below is a list of what the city is doing to prepare along with what residents can do to prepare, including information on sandbags and where they can be picked up and/ or filled.
UPDATE:
April 12: Spring Runoff from the Oquirrh Mountain Range entered the Tickville Wash canal yesterday evening. The wash runs through Eagle Mountain and enters Saratoga Springs in the field north of the Beacon Pointe neighborhood. City staff checked the wash prior to the spring runoff season to ensure it was clear of debris. The water is moving through the wash and entering Utah Lake east of Saratoga Road. We encourage residents to avoid the area around the canal as the water is high and moving quickly. This is especially important near the culvert west of Redwood Road.
What the City Is doing To Mitigate Spring Runoff Flooding Issues
Public Works
- Cleaned the ditch behind the homes on Cassi way.
- Cleaned the ditch behind the homes on Sunrise Dr. (from Harbor pkwy to Cassi way)
- We have done field audits of all drainages from Lariat Blvd south.
- On all of these field visits we checked that the water ways were undisturbed, and not blocked with debris, and were flowing the right direction.
- Inlets were cleaned at harbor Pkwy, Still water drive due to the debris coming off the gravel lots.
Stormwater Division:
- The Storm Water division has inspected storm drain inlets throughout the city, and high runoff areas to make sure that the City storm drain system and runoff trenches are performing as designed.
- Inlet bags have been pulled in developed areas. The storm water division has and will respond to any storm water complaints that the Public Works Department may receive.
- The City has contracted a third party to clean storm drain inlets along the Utah lake communities. (SSD)
- The City Parks department has inspected detention basins within our purview to make sure they can perform as designed.
- The City’s Storm Water Inspectors have contacted land developers around our City, and have asked them to fortify their construction sites and minimum control measure as we prepare for the spring runoff.
- The City has inspected and cleaned as needed Dry Creek, Tickville gulch/wash, Utah Lake distribution canal, and the south side drainage to mitigate flooding in these areas.
What Residents Can Do To Protect Their Homes
- Ensure all rain gutter drain pipes are connected properly to their homes and are free from cracks or other issues.
- Check any drainage systems placed on their property to ensure they are clean of debris to allow water to move freely through the system.
- Check any storm drains near their home to ensure they are clear of debris to allow storm water or spring run off water to quickly enter and move through the storm drain system.
- Ensure that any sump or other type of pumps used on their property are working properly.
- Follow the DNR Weekly Watering Guide. Residents might want to hold off on watering until after the spring thaw, as saturated earth can increase flooding potential.
- Have all yard improvement deliveries such as rock, mulch and dirt placed on the residents property and not along the gutter or the street. These types of supplies can cause several issues when placed in the road including:
- Blocking water from flowing along the gutter and entering the storm drain system, possibly causing flooding in the street.
- Portions of the rock, mulch or dirt can wash down to the storm drain entering and clogging the storm drain system, causing flooding due to back ups in the system.
- Blocking traffic from safely traversing the street.
- It's the law. City code states that such items must not be placed along a public right of way.
Flood Safety
- Put important papers in a waterproof container.
- Have a 72 hour kit or other emergency kits.
- Audit an existing kit to ensure nothing is expired.
- Information on creating an emergency kit and other disaster preparedness information can be found by going to the Emergency Preparedness Page.
- Keep a safe distance from Canals and other waterways, as they could be fuller than normal.
Additional Resources
Sandbag Availability And Guidelines
Sandbags and sandbag supplies are available on the northeast side of the Patriot Park Parking Lot. Please follow the instructions and guidelines below when filling and picking up sandbags. See maps below for exact location.
Filling Sandbags
- Wear gloves
- Bags should only be filled 1/2 - 2/3 of the way full.
- The person holding the bag should be kneeling or sitting down.
- The person filling the bag should make sure to only fill the shovel with the amount of sand they can handle.
- Volunteers understand that there is inherent risk in filling and lifting sandbags. Those volunteering to fill sandbags volunteer at their own risk.
Moving Sandbags
- Sandbags can weigh up to 75 lbs. Use proper lifting techniques to move bags.
- Ensure your vehicle can handle the weight of the bags you are taking.
Placing Sandbags
- Filled sandbags and sandbag supplies are available for residents to pick up and use. See the Maps below for location.
- Residents will be allowed to take 10 sandbagsper home.
- Additional sandbags may be available based on need and home location upon request. To request additional sandbags send an email to comments@saratogaspringscity.com
- Residents are responsible for the sandbags after they are picked up, including disposal of the bags after use.
- Place a plastic tarp under the sandbags.
- Sandbags should be held perpendicular to the ground then dropped into place to allow sand to settle.
- Sandbags should be placed in a staggered brick pattern.
