Rapid Snowmelt Causing Flooding Near Baggs

Rapid snowmelt is causing flooding along the Little Snake River near Baggs, and leading to rises on the river near Savery.

As of 3:15 a.m. on Thursday, May 4, the Little Snake River at Baggs was at 7.52 feet, 0.02 feet above minor flood stage, and at 9.85 feet near Savery, 0.15 feet below minor flood stage.

Flood Warnings are in effect until noon Friday.

The National Weather Service in Cheyenne says most flood deaths occur in vehicles, and it urges drivers to remember the phrase Turn Around Don't Drown when faced with flooded roads.

Flood Statement
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
338 AM MDT Thu May 4 2023

WYC007-051800-
/O.CON.KCYS.FA.W.0001.000000T0000Z-230505T1800Z/
/00000.0.SM.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Carbon WY-
338 AM MDT Thu May 4 2023

...FLOOD WARNING FOR SNOWMELT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON MDT
FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Flooding caused by snowmelt continues.

* WHERE...A portion of south central Wyoming, including the
  following county, Carbon.

* WHEN...Until noon MDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying
  and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
  - At 338 AM MDT, gauge reports indicated Snow Melt . Rapid
    snowmelt is occurring and will continue to cause flooding.
  - Some locations that will experience flooding include...
    Baggs.
  - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

Stay away or be swept away. River banks and culverts can become
unstable and unsafe.

Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law
enforcement and request they pass this information to the National
Weather Service when you can do so safely.

Flood Warning
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
336 AM MDT Thu May 4 2023

.Higher temperatures and rain falling on snow is accelerating the
snowmelt, leading to rises on the Little Snake River near Savery.

WYC007-051800-
/O.NEW.KCYS.FA.W.0002.230504T0936Z-230505T1800Z/
/00000.0.RS.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Carbon WY-
336 AM MDT Thu May 4 2023

...FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON MDT FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Small stream flooding caused by rain and snowmelt is
  expected.

* WHERE...The Little Snake River in southern Carbon County, near
  Savery.

* WHEN...Until noon MDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Streams continue to rise due to rapidly melting snowpack
  and additional rainfall from thunderstorms.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
  - At 324 AM MDT, Gauge reports indicated a steady rise due to
    rapidly melting snowpack and additional rainfall on the
    snowpack. The gauge near Savery on the Little Snake River,
    has already exceeded a record crest of 9.5 feet and is
    approaching minor flood stage. Flooding may be occurring and
    is expected to continue through Thursday.
  - This includes the following streams and drainages...
    Little Snake River.
  - Some locations that will experience flooding include...
    mainly rural areas of Southwestern Carbon County
  - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

4:45 AM May 4th - Flood Warnings are currently in effect along the Little Snake River in southwest Carbon County due to ongoing snowmelt from the Sierra Madre Range. The river is expected to crest near Minor Flood Stage in the early morning hours before receding each afternoon today and again Friday. Low-lying areas adjacent to the river may flood as the river and nearby creeks and streams continue to run high. For the latest hydrographs, check out https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=cys