Shoshone County Sheriff warns of potential flooding

WALLACE – Shoshone County Sheriff Holly Lindsey issued a flood warning Thursday for residents in Shoshone County, along the Coeur d’Alene River and the St. Joe River in the county’s southern region.

“Shoshone County may be impacted with some thunderstorms over the next couple of days, bringing high winds, hail and rain,” Lindsey said. “Weather can be so unpredictable, but it’s better to be prepared than not. With that, every year around this time our county starts to experience some localized flooding.”

The National Weather Service has Shoshone County under a flood watch from Thursday until Sunday evening with the primary areas of concern being the area around Cataldo as well as near Calder.

According to Lindsey, minor-stage flooding along the Coeur d’Alene River begins at 43 feet, the weather service predicts the river may crest over 45 feet by Friday afternoon.

Once that 43-foot threshold is met, much of the farmland from Rose Lake to Harrison will be under water, this includes campgrounds near Cataldo. It also means portions of roadways near Dudley Road and Latour Creek will be considered impassible.

Shoshone County Public Works Director Jessica Stutzke said her crews have already had to close down portions of roadways in Kingston, primarily along Riverview Drive.

The Old Coeur d’Alene River Road near Enaville will also be watched closely in coming days — particularly the area north of the Bumblebee Bridge. Should the river hit the expected 45-foot crest, it may require pumping operations to keep emergency access available.

In the southern region of Shoshone County, near Calder, the St. Joe hits minor-stage flooding level at 13 feet. County officials have already had to shut down sections of road near Calder due to the river rising.

“According to the NWS historical data, at 13.0 feet, Bear Creek will begin to back up from the St. Joe River and may start to spill into the town of Calder, flooding the low spots in yards, roads and parking lots,” Lindsey said. “Elk Prairie Road going into Calder is closed. Water has receded somewhat since yesterday as only one lane is covered. However, with the storm forecasted for the next couple of days, the water levels at Calder are likely to rise again.”

The Shoshone County Sheriff's Office will be using its Hyper-Reach program to notify citizens in affected areas. Hyper-Reach is a mass notification system used to communicate critical information to citizens through email, cell phones and landlines.

Lindsey released a list of tips to stay safe during a flood:

• Don’t drive in or through flooded areas or standing water. Cars or other vehicles won’t protect you from floodwaters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water.
• Do not drink floodwater or use it to wash dishes, brush teeth or wash or prepare food. Drink clean, safe water.
• If you are evacuated, return to your home only after local authorities have said it is safe to do so.
• Listen for boil advisories. Local authorities will let you know if your water is safe for drinking and bathing.
• During a water advisory, use only bottled, boiled or treated water for drinking, cooking, etc.
• When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food and bottled water that comes or may have come into contact with floodwater.
• Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Use generators at least 20 feet from any doors, windows or vents. If you use a pressure washer, be sure to keep the engine outdoors and 20 feet from windows, doors or vents as well. Never run your car or truck inside a garage that is attached to a house even with the garage door open.

To report flooding in Shoshone County, the sheriff's office can be reached at 208-556-1114. Call 911 for emergencies.