Courtesy Orem City

With one large winter of snow and water almost in the history books, Orem city isn’t taking any chances that a warm spring could bring all that water off the mountains too quickly.

The United States Department of Agriculture Utah Snow Survey Program, which tracks snowpack and snow water equivalent, reminds residents that drought conditions are still here in spite of the record-breaking precipitation.

“It has been reported that it will take multiple winters like this one in the Colorado River Basin to fill Lake Powell again,” said Pete Wolfley, Orem communications manager. “While statewide perspectives are informational, we need to look closely at our immediate watershed to understand how this will impact Orem with respect to drought conditions, flooding potential, and water supply.”

A good rule of thumb is that an average of 10% of snow depth is actual water. The city is having a record year in our basin where the runoff usually starts the first week of April, Wolfley added.

Orem finds itself in an enviable position since its drainage has two significant reservoirs — Jordanelle and Deer Creek.

Courtesy Orem City

“These reservoirs allow for water supply redundancy and optimal flood control. As we monitor runoff, we consider watershed soil moisture content, projected runoff volumes, reservoir capacities and current available space, and river capacities,” Wolfley said.

Working together with water managers of the Provo River, Deer Creek Reservoir (Provo River Water Users Association) and Jordanelle Reservoir (Central Utah Water Conservancy District), they are able to optimize water storage while minimizing flooding along the Provo River.

A separate area of concern is the Dry Canyon drainage, which is located northeast of Orem and Lindon. That drainage is routed through a large detention basin near the Dry Canyon trailhead. Orem Public Works staff are engaging with their counterparts in Lindon City to monitor and evaluate flood potential in that area, along with river managers, reservoir managers and Utah County emergency managers ahead of expected high river flows.

Orem Public Works has nearly 5,000 sandbags ready on an as-needed basis for residents — starting with those who live adjacent to the Provo River.

Orem is taking several pre-emptive steps to mitigate potential flooding that may take place this year according to Heath Stevenson, emergency manager.

• The City of Orem is always maintaining the Storm Water System throughout the city, as well as making sure the gutters and storm drain grates are clear of debris to allow water into the system.
• Residents can help in this effort by cleaning out gutters and curbs around their homes.
• The City of Orem makes sure to have a supply of sand bags on hand for emergent situations.
• The City of Orem is promoting and updating the City’s Emergency Alert System. This can be found at http://alerts.utahcounty.gov.
• The City of Orem has held multiple meetings with Utah County and State of Utah Public Works Departments and Emergency Management personnel, as well as the State of Utah Hydrologist to make sure everyone is coordinated and working together.

Stevenson also offers steps that residents can do to prepare for potential flooding.

• Make sure that you have flood insurance if you are worried about your home flooding. FEMA has flood maps that you can review, but also check with neighbors about any past flooding that has occurred in your area.
• Most homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding. Federal flood insurance is available whether or not you are in a mapped flood zone. Flood insurance policies have to be in place 30 days before a flood claim can be made.
• Per City Code, keep all of the sidewalks, curbs, and gutters around your home clean and free of debris.
• Keep the storm drain grates in your neighborhood clean and free of debris.
• Divert your gutters, downspouts and sump pump draining away from your home to prevent water from coming back in.
• If you have a sump pump, inspect and test it to make sure it works properly. Replace if needed.
• Check the grading around your home to make sure it slopes away from your house. Also, make sure that any landscaping improvements also slope away from your home to help keep storm water out.
• Stay alert by monitoring the local news and weather reports.
• Have a 72-hour kit and communication plan ready in the event of a power outage.
• Take photos and videos of all major household items and valuables. Retain these documents in a safe place because they are important when filing insurance claims.
• Save copies of birth certificates, passports, medical records and insurance papers in a safe, dry place. Keep original documents in a watertight safety deposit box.
• Always remember, when a flood is imminent or occurring, your first priority should be the physical safety of you, your loved ones and your pets.

Newsletter