Big Idea
- The National Weather Service reports that rain and snow melt on Wednesday through Thursday could cause rises in waterways
- Potential for minor to moderate flooding in the forecast
- Could take place along Oak Creek and Wet Beaver Creek
- Water levels will not reach that of the 1993 flood event; however, they will be close to the 2019 flood event in some areas
- Read more...
Rain and Snow Melt could combine to flooding along Oak Creek & Wet Beaver Creek
The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that periods of heavy rain and snow melt from Wednesday through Thursday will lead to rises in area waterways, contributing to the potential for minor to moderate flooding in some areas along Oak Creek and Wet Beaver Creek. (See the NWS information below.)
The Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated for essential personnel since the beginning of the Winter Storm event to support needs throughout the County, including mitigating potential flooding issues and coordinating with local public safety officials.
Oak Creek and Wet Beaver Creek are expected to exceed the flood stage on Thursday morning at approximately 3 am, with the most significant flood potential in Cornville and Rimrock. Near Sedona, water levels will reach terraces near Tlaquepaque Bridge and several residential and commercial properties near Tlaquepaque Bridge. Near Cornville, significant flooding of the RV Park near Page Springs Road is expected. Water near Rimrock will likely impact ground-level residences along Rim Rock Drive and Beaver Vista. Portions of the Verde River will have elevated flows and may approach flood stages.
Water levels will not reach that of the 1993 flood event; however, they will be close to the 2019 flood event in some areas.
Waters are swift running and dangerously cold due to snow melt and runoff. Residents should avoid all waterways. Localized flooding can be expected on streets and may increase pothole activity. Appropriate Public Works Departments continue to address issues as they arise. Do not drive on flooded streets, washes, or low-water crossings. Obey all traffic, detour, and roadblock signs. Turn around, don't drown.
We encourage residents to remain prepared by:
- Developing a family plan and having emergency telephone numbers available.
- Assemble an emergency supply kit with enough food, water, and other supplies for at least 72 hours. In addition, include essential medicines and life-saving medical equipment. For a complete list, please visit: www.ready.gov/kit
- Assemble a go-bag in the event an evacuation becomes necessary. Remember the 5 P’s: Persons/Pets, Personal Items, Important Papers, Prescriptions, and Priceless Items.
- Sign up for your local Emergency Notification System, including alertYAVAPAI, at www.ycsoaz.gov/ENS and follow reputable and reliable sources for current information.
- If applicable, consider moving your vehicle to higher ground to avoid flood damage.
YCOEM will coordinate with the American Red Cross to open an Evacuation Center or Shelter if an evacuation becomes necessary.
Sandbags are available at various locations. Availability will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. For a list of sandbag locations, please visit the YCOEM website: https://yavapaiaz.gov/publicworks/emergency-management. Expect to fill and transport your sandbags. Please bring a shovel.
For the 7-Day Forecast, visit the National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/fgz/
For creek flow updates, visit the Yavapai County Flood Control District website: https://yavapaiaz.gov/ycflood/weather.
Flood Warning
Flood Warning National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ 140 PM MST Tue Mar 14 2023
...The National Weather Service in Flagstaff AZ has issued a Flood Warning for the following rivers in Arizona...
Oak Creek near Sedona affecting Coconino and Yavapai Counties.
. Heavy rain will fall on a deep primed snowpack leading to the melt increasing. Flows in rivers will increase quickly and reach critical levels.
For the Oak Creek...including Sedona, Cornville... Minor to moderate flooding is forecast.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.
Even 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet and a depth of 2 feet will float your car. Never try to walk, swim, or drive through such swift water. If you come upon flood waters, stop, turn around and go another way.
Additional information is available at: http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/index.php? wfo = fgz
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From the National Weather Service
... FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING TO LATE THURSDAY MORNING...
* WHAT... Minor to moderate flooding is currently forecast.
* WHERE... Oak Creek near Sedona.
* WHEN... From Wednesday morning to late Thursday morning.
* IMPACTS... At 7.0 feet, Likely to cause minor flooding downstream in Page Springs area near gage OACA33 4 to 6 hours later.
At 13.0 feet, Stream reaches terrace near Tlaquepaque bridge. Water reaches edge of several residential and commercial properties near Tlaquepaque bridge. Low water crossings closed.
At 14.0 feet, Flood stage. Several islands downstream in sedona evacuated. Minor flooding of access roads, buildings, and residences along oak creek.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 12:45 PM MST Tuesday the stage was 4.7 feet.
- Forecast... The river will rise to 7.3 feet tomorrow morning.
It will rise to 13.2 feet late tomorrow evening. It will then fall again and remain below flood stage late Thursday morning.
- Flood stage is 14.0 feet.
- Flood History... This crest compares to a previous crest of 12.22 feet on 02/15/2019.
- Visit www.weather.gov/safety/flood for more information on flood safety.
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Flood Watch
National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ 710 PM MST Tue Mar 14 2023
AZZ018-037-038-151400- /O. CON. KFGZ. FA. A.0001.230315T1400Z-230317T0000Z/ /00000.0. RS.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z. OO/ Northern Gila County-Yavapai County Valleys and Basins-Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons- Including the cities of Sedona, Camp Verde, Young, Cottonwood, Strawberry, Bagdad, Cordes Junction, and Payson 710 PM MST Tue Mar 14 2023
... FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM MST WEDNESDAY THROUGH 5 PM MST THURSDAY AFTERNOON...
* WHAT... Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt.
* WHERE... Portions of central Arizona, including the lower elevations of Yavapai County and northern Gila County.
* WHEN... From 7 AM MST Wednesday through 5 PM MST Thursday afternoon.
* IMPACTS... Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes and over recently burned areas. Low-water crossings could also experience flash flooding, which would create deadly travel conditions.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Widespread heavy rainfall is expected along and south of the Mogollon Rim Wednesday through Thursday morning. Rain and snowmelt will combine to create enhanced runoff and significant flows in area waterways.
- Visit www.weather.gov/safety/flood for more information on flood safety.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=34.866&lon=-111.7638#.ZBGK1y-B1t8
