Pete Kuhlmann, Director
Phone: (435) 634-5734
E-mail: eoc@washco.utah.gov
Reports from Enterprise indicate that the roadway near the new bridge at the Enterprise Reservoir turnoff is being washed away. It appears that the roadway approximately one mile south of the turnoff is also being washed away. Law enforcement officers are on scene and have begun to block the access to these areas with barricades. Officials are asking the public to please avoid these and other dangerous areas until they can be deemed safe by the appropriate agencies.
The Washington County Fairgrounds is now available to temporarily house any animals which may be displaced as a result of the floods. If you are interested in taking advantage of this service, contact Julie Meron of the Utah Animal Rescue Coalition at (435) 590-2476. Both large and small animals are welcome and can be accommodated.
The city of Toquerville has requested additional volunteer assistance. Reports are that the Shangrala Bridge is under approximately one foot of flowing water. Also, the park is flooded and several houses are now isolated. One thousand additional sandbags are now en route from Hurricane, but more volunteers and baggers are still needed. If you are interested in assisting, you may report directly to the Toquerville Town Office, located at 212 N. Toquer Blvd., for assignements or contact Renee Garner at (435) 635-1094. Anyone wishing to assist should be aware that this assignment may be physically taxing, as a hike may be required to assist with the much of the sandbagging.
Additional volunteer assistance also has been requested in the Beaver Dam area for general clean up. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Noah Thomas at (435) 705-0512.
Recent reports indicate that the water around the Harmony Heights community is continuing to rise. If the water continues to rise at its current rate, it is likely that the Harmony Heights Bridge may become compromised. Officials are urging residents of the area to evacuate before the bridge becomes impassable. Any residents who choose not to voluntarily evacuate should be prepared to shelter in place.
Officials are again encouraging all residents to stay away from any problems areas so emergency responders can gain immediate access if needed.
Current updates can be followed on twitter.com #wacoflood or on Facebook at Washington County 2010 Flood.
Waters have receded some over night and county officials are cautiously optimistic. Forecasts have predicted the possibility of from one to seven inches of water today. The Virgin River is expected to peak in Zion at 1 p.m. in Virgin at 3 p.m. and in Bloomington at 1 a.m. (tonight).
“We are very appreciative of the efforts of everyone who has helped manage the effects of this flood to date,” said Washington County Sheriff Kirk Smith. “From the emergency responders to the State of Utah Department of Public Safety, to the residents who have cooperated and pitched in to help each other, this has been a community effort. We are grateful no lives have been lost. We would ask citizens to continue to be vigilant. The storm isn’t over, yet.”
One family near Motoqua has been isolated, but supplies have been air-lifted in and they’re doing fine. Several families in Leeds were also temporarily isolated, but are doing all right. Several helicopters are in use making assessments and helping locate and assist isolated families. Hundreds of homes have been affected by flooding.
Local waterways are working well. The work done to the river beds after the 2005 flooding appears to be helping. Heavy equipment crews worked through the night removing debris from the swift-moving streams so the water could flow through unobstructed.
The road to Rockville has been reopened and most residents have returned to their homes.
Both reservoirs in Enterprise are full and continue to be monitored. The work done to those dams recently has helped and they appear at this time to be stable.
The bridge in Gunlock was not lost, but the road has washed out around it.
Most paved roads in Washington County are open today except for Old Highway 91 from the Shivwitz Reservation to Beaver Dam, Gunlock Road, Shoal Creek Road, and the road through Zion National Park. Back roads and byways should still be avoided. Some back roads have experienced significant damage.
Sheriff Smith continues to encourage residents to: “Please stay away from problem areas so emergency responders can quickly get to where they’re most needed.”
Sandbags remain available at Home Depot in St. George and Washington and at Hurst Ben Franklin in Hurricane.
This storm has recorded a greater water total than the 2005 flood.
Current updates may be followed at twitter.com #wacoflood or on Facebook at Washington County 2010 Flood.
Trees Ranch Dam near Rockville is at risk of imminent failure according to the National Weather Service. A significant surge is expected downstream. Communities downstream may expect a water surge on the Virgin anticipated to be similar to when the Quail Creek Dike failed about twenty years ago.
Homes on the south side of SR-9 in Rockville are being evacuated. Residents are being notified by the reverse 911 system.
Paved roads closed in Washington County because of flooding include SR-9, Old Highway 91 from the Shivwitz Reservation to Beaver Dam, Gunlock Road, 1150 West 400 South in Hurricane, Shoal Creek Road west of Enterprise. Back roads and byways should be avoided as well.
“If at all possible, please stay off the roads and stay home,” said Washington County Sheriff Kirk Smith. “Keep away from the problem areas. Emergency responders are trying to get to where they’re most needed.”
The flood also broke a sewage line leaking raw sewage into the river. That leak was repaired about an hour after the break.
Sandbags are available at Home Depot in St. George and Washington. They are also available in Santa Clara at the corner of Red Mountain Drive and Pioneer Road and at the Hurricane Fire Station 1 at 202 East State Street.
According to Washington County Commissioner Alan Gardner this storm has resulted in 40 percent greater water total than the 2005 flood.