ESFRIW
Low elevation snowpack of around 2 to 8 inches exists across much
of the northern portion of the Bighorn Basin including mountain
foothills. This snowpack contains an estimated 1 to 3 inches of Snow
Water Equivalent (SWE). Warmer temperatures occur Thursday through
Sunday with highs nearing or exceeding 50 degrees (Feb 27 – Mar 2).
The upcoming warm temperatures, combined with the low elevation
snowpack, could result in melting and injection into local rivers
and streams. Ice break up on the Bighorn and Nowood Rivers is
possible as well, and could lead to ice jamming and potential
resultant flooding.
Similar snowpack also exists across portions of northern Johnson
County. Although the risk for ice jams is lower, ponding of water
and overland runoff could fill culverts and other low-lying areas.
Now would be the time to clear snow, ice, and debris from culverts
and other flow paths to allow runoff to flow away from buildings and
other vulnerable infrastructure. This could include moving deep snow
away from the foundations of buildings, relocating equipment to
higher ground, and moving livestock out of poorly drained or
low-lying areas.
Stay tuned for the latest river forecasts.