Spontaneous Flooding in Rexburg Costs Farmers Thousands in Crop Damage
REXBURG - Mark Hansen, an agricultural farmer located on the outskirts of Rexburg, Idaho, lost his crops last Tuesday to the first flash flood of the season, with more floods predicted to come.
Hansen's barley field, which he and his team had finished planting a few days prior, was flooded by a torrential amount of rain. The land was submerged in 2.5 inches of water from 7:30 in the evening to 11:30 at night.
Hansen is a member of the Planning and Zoning Council in Madison County, Idaho. In their meeting last Thursday, Hansen addressed the group, saying, "The farms have been irrigated, and the soil saturated. It appears that we have flooded our freshly irrigated planted fields. Seeds that were planted an inch deep are now caked in flat mud. All the seeds are wasted."
Tim Axford, a warning meteorologist and coordinator with the National Weather Service in Pocatello, predicted this weather prior to the storm. He explained to Boise State Public Radio that as temperatures rise and melting begins, the snow poses its own risks. There is an expectation of some extreme flooding this year in south-central and eastern Idaho.
"If the snow were to melt that quickly, we would have issues with what we call sheet flooding or lower-elevation flooding," he said.
The quantity of snow on the ground and at higher elevations contributes to the severity of flooding. However, the upcoming weather conditions also play a role.
According to Axford, if temperatures experience a sudden and prolonged rise over several days, it will expedite the melting process. Additionally, rainfall on top of melting snow can further contribute to the rate of melting.
Moderate Floodfactor reports that there are 615 properties in Rexburg that have a greater than 26% chance of being severely affected by flooding over the next 30 years. This represents 18% of all properties in Rexburg.
Since Floodfactor's last report in January, Governor Brad Little released an executive order in cooperation with the National Flood Insurance Program.
Executive Order No. 2023-02 supports the disposal of lands that may be located in flood hazard areas, which influence patterns of commercial, residential, and industrial development. This act aims to improve the management of floodplains and flood-prone areas in the state.
The order also authorizes local communities in Idaho, such as Rexburg, to adopt floodplain management ordinances and maps to reduce flood risks and losses.
Susan Okie, a second member of the Planning and Zoning council, was inside the city of Rexburg during Tuesday's rainstorm and experienced firsthand how this order could benefit the city. "There were manhole covers popping off and potholes filled here in town," she said.
Several roads were temporarily closed from Rexburg to Idaho Falls. The highway between the two cities was flooded up to the car doors of several vehicles.
Gary Armstrong told Hansen in conclusion to the board's meeting after discussing the week's flooding, "At least you won't have to worry about moving pipes for the next few days," which was followed by laughter from the council.
Rexburg has received a flood warning today that will be in effect until 6 am tomorrow morning.