6/7/2010
Update on flooding, roads in Southwest Idaho - Payette remains problematic
BOISE - Water continued to lap over the roadway in several locations along Idaho 52 between Payette and its junction with Idaho 72 Monday morning the Idaho Transportation Department reported. Affected areas of the highway are marked with warning signs.
A two-block segment
of the U.S. 95 Spur south of Payette closed because of about 18 inches of standing water on the highway. The high Payette River water
level also continues to pose a threat, but at last notice the river had receded
about a foot since the peak Sunday night. Heavy rainfall also loosened soil
in many locations, creating a rockfall hazard for highways near
mountains or hillsides.
Beginning Thursday (June 3) evening,
washouts, mudslides and debris deposits under bridges caused restrictions on
several state highways in southwest Idaho. ITD crews repaired highways and monitored conditions throughout the weekend. As of Monday morning, the only remaining threats were high water in Payette County and rockfall danger near steep slopes, although additional rain this week could worsen conditions.
"Everything has been repaired so
far," said ITD's District Maintenance Engineer Gary Moles. "There are
clogged culverts all over the region that we'll have to re-open, and there may
be shoulder repairs to complete. At this point, we have crews monitoring those areas, and they are prepared to respond to whatever comes."
For the latest reports on highway conditions, restrictions and closures, go to 511.idaho.gov or call 511.
Monday morning status report:
Idaho
55
- High water in Goose Creek next to Idaho
55 north of New Meadows created shoulder washouts in three locations Friday.
- Debris removal at Payette River Bridge in Horseshoe Bend Saturday
Idaho 52
- Debris removal between Horseshoe Bend and Emmett
Idaho
71
- High water in Brownlee Creek, northwest
of Cambridge, created a minor shoulder washout.
U.S.
95
- A logjam was cleared below the U.S. 95
Weiser River Bridge near Cambridge.
- High water in Cottonwood Creek, about
three miles south of Council, created minor flooding.
Idaho 21
- Mudslides in the Canyon Creek area closed it from late Friday night until
Sunday afternoon.
"The mud was coming down the hillside like the consistency of poured gravy," Moles reported.
ITD advises motorists to use caution and travel in the affected areas only if
necessary until conditions improve.