1 / 6

As seen in this undated photo, Provo crews are cleaning debris and dead trees out of the Provo River.

Courtesy Provo City

2 / 6

As seen in this undated photo, the Provo River is being prepared for potential flooding.

Courtesy Provo City

3 / 6

As seen in this undated photo, Provo City has provided a sand pile for residents to use to fill sandbags.

Courtesy Provo City

4 / 6

Flooding in the 1980s in Provo following a big snow years and warm spring.

Courtesy Provo City

5 / 6

Sandbags contain flood waters in Provo during the 1980s.

Courtesy Provo City

6 / 6

Provo's other river caused by spring runoff after a large winter. There is more snow currently in the mountains than there was then.

Courtesy Provo City

❮ ❯

It was 40 years ago that residents of Provo were sandbagging streets and making their own downtown “rivers” just like Salt Lake City. Provo is planning and hoping there is not a repeat.

City crews are clearing debris from the Provo River, filling sandbags and monitoring frontal canyons as they take a preventive approach to record-breaking and unpredictable spring runoff.

According to Dave Decker, Provo City Public Works director, springtime weather is a significant contributor to possible flooding. “Unusually high snowpack during a cold, wet spring leads to the potential of sudden high temperatures creating flooding conditions,” he said. “That is our worst-case scenario.”

Much has changed since the flooding of the 1980s, but some things have not and that is where city leaders are taking bold preemptive steps.

“While we can’t control Mother Nature, we can be prepared,” Mayor Michelle Kaufusi said. “We’ve made significant infrastructure improvements, activated our flood prevention plan and are informing residents while providing them with necessary resources.”

Areas of highest flood concern include Rock, Slate and Little Rock canyons and properties adjacent to the Provo River. Past infrastructure projects intended to control floodwaters include debris basins for Rock and Slate canyons, as well as several stormwater piping improvements.

“It is very likely we will see flooding on the Provo River,” said Decker, whose crews started clearing debris in early March. “Residents will see a lot of city crew activity as they clear out dead trees and sand and gravel bars to maximize capacity in the river. This is a vital flood preparation component for Provo.”

Decker also reminds residents of the danger of recreational use of the Provo River during spring runoff. “With past issues, we can’t stress strongly enough the importance of staying well away from unpredictable floodwaters.”

With city crews focused on high-risk areas, residents are encouraged to take proactive measures to protect their property before spring runoff. “A safe practice is to clear storm drains and gutters around their home and remove yard waste or garbage,” Decker said. Those who have experienced flooding are encouraged to protect lower levels and entryways, as well as ensure sump pumps are functional.

“We have installed detention basins at Rock and Slate canyons. We have also improved the storm drain systems in those areas to help carry some of the potential floodwaters away,” Decker said.

Provo City is actively filling sandbags for emergency use and is offering sandbag bundles to residents free of charge at the Public Works building. “We have 200,000 sandbags and a ready supply of sand. Residents just need to bring their own shovel,” said Nicole Martin, the city’s communications director.

Provo’s Flood Preparation Committee began meeting weekly in February. “We are planning and coordinating with internal and external agencies to prepare for any type of flood emergency, protecting areas with the biggest flood risk and helping to prepare at-risk residents,” Decker said.

Decker added that routes have been developed with a planned process to divert floodwaters to protect residents and homes.

Part of Provo’s water management approach is to take advantage of wet years like this one. Aquifer storage and recovery projects allow the city to store excess water in area aquifers, helping replenish declining groundwater levels.

There are various factors that play into the potential for flooding. The amount snow in the mountains is a big factor, but another is the weather and how quickly the snow melts. If the snow melts all at once, that will result in large amounts of water coming down into the valley.

If needed, the city will communicate with residents through its social media channels, emails and the Everbridge notification system. For email updates, visit provocity.info/signup. For Everbridge alerts, visit alerts.utahcounty.gov.

Sandbags are available to residents at the Public Works facility, 1377 S. 350 East, in 25-bag bundles.

Newsletter