Mayor Tours Flood Areas; City Makes Sand, Bags Available to Citizens

Mayor Mary Verner toured Peaceful Valley today to assess areas affected by Spokane River flooding. She was accompanied by City Public Works Director Dave Mandyke and Fire Chief Bobby Williams. She visited the Upriver Drive area yesterday.

“I wanted to see the flooding first-hand,” the Mayor said. “At this time the rising Spokane River is impacting only a very few homes in our community, but we will keep a watchful eye on the situation as it develops. We do want to stress the danger of going in the river, and again ask our citizens and visitors to stay out of the water.”

The City of Spokane is making sand and bags available to property owners in Peaceful Valley and along Upriver Drive, who may need sandbags to keep hold back water, as the River continues to rise.

Sand and bags are available in the parking lot at the Peaceful Valley Community Center and in the vacant field at the northeast corner of Stone Street and Upriver Drive. Citizens can fill the bags and then place them as appropriate on their private properties.

Meanwhile, the City’s Street Department has placed sandbags at the boat launch at the end of Water Street in Peaceful Valley, around the Erie Street wastewater pump station, and around the levy in Peaceful Valley at the former Casket Company property.

Upriver Drive from Mission to Greene streets remains closed, and South Riverton at Greene Street, which is on the south side of the Spokane River, is closed to through traffic.

More information on flood preparation and cautions can be found at bt.cdc.gov or at weather.gov
Meanwhile, City Fire officials repeat their safety concerns about the river. The entire river is running high and fast, and water temperatures remain very cold. The National Weather Service now says the Spokane River will crest sometime on Friday afternoon or early Saturday, however it is anticipated that the river will remain above flood stage until late this month.

Please use extreme caution around the river:

Don’t allow children to play in the river. Moving water six inches deep can knock an adult off their feet, and the swift current can move a person downstream quickly. Cold water temperatures also can cause hypothermia.

Don’t attempt to drive over flooded roads. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pick-ups.

Observe road closure signs and stay out of barricaded areas. Remember that portions of the Centennial Trail along Upriver Drive are barricade off. Please obey that signage.
Be aware of the large debris in the river. Higher water levels are pushing logs and other large debris into the river, increasing the danger to people.

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you have an emergency along the river! With these conditions, problems can develop rapidly. Don’t wait to make that emergency call.