April 27, 2023
The Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities is anticipating and preparing for higher stream flows in City Creek, Emigration Creek, Red Butte Creek, and Parleys Creek amid warming temperatures through the weekend and early next week.
“We anticipate that Salt Lake City’s system of streams and infrastructure will have the capacity to accommodate the forecasted stream flows over the next several days,” said Laura Briefer, Director of Public Utilities. “Runoff experts from both the City and Salt Lake County will continue monitoring and cleaning the drainage system around the clock.”
Sandbags are staged at various locations in Salt Lake City for quick deployment by City crews should they be needed.
“I’m grateful to our Public Utilities crews for doing the important work of clearing debris and monitoring conditions closely,” Mayor Mendenhall said. “We continue to encourage residents to familiarize themselves with flood zones and to reach out if they see creeks backing up or grates clogged by debris.”
Salt Lake City continues to control releases of water from Mountain Dell and Little Dell reservoirs to maintain upstream capacity in the Parley’s watershed to reduce runoff pressure within the City. This will result in sustained higher flows of Parleys Creek that will be visible in the Parleys Nature Preserve, Sugar House Park, and Hidden Hollow.
The public is reminded to be extra vigilant around streams and rivers during runoff. Residents can call 801-483-6700 to report flooding.
“The streams are flowing fast, may be deep, and are very cold. Do not go in the water. Keep your children and pets safe,” said Richard Boden, Division Chief/Emergency Manager at Salt Lake City Fire Department said.
Tags: city creek, emigration creek, Flooding, parley's creek, red butte creek, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, spring runoff