Flash floods and river floods: Wet and wild in the Northwest

Flash floods and river floods: Wet and wild in the Northwest

In the event of flooding, there could be a run on essential supplies in areas cut off from the outside world.

Tools

By Seth Wayne KVAL Weather and KVAL.com staff

This was all that was left of the dining hall at the Wallowa Lake Boy Scout camp in July 2002 after a flash flood sent a mudslide rushing through the camp.


    
And this was the scene in Mapleton in the late 1990s as the Siuslaw River jumped its bank.

Both weather events were caused by Mother Nature. So, what's the difference between a flash flood and a flood?

A flash flood occurs within a few hours of heavy rain and ends a short time after it starts.

River flooding takes half a day or longer to develop, and rivers will often remain above flood stage for days at a time. some other



Either way, it's important to always listen for warnings and watches to keep your family safe. 

When a flash flood watch is issued, flash flooding is possible. Remain alert and be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice.

A flash flood warning means that flash flooding has been reported. If advised to evacuate, do so right away. Go to higher ground or climb to safety. Try to move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water.

If you are near a river, be aware of water levels. Prepare to move to higher ground if river levels rise.

And never cross a body of water in your vehicle. You don't know how deep it is, especially at night. Just two feet of water can sweep you and your car away.

Best advice: turn around and you won't drown.

Icon
Current Temp 49.0 °F
Overcast
More Weather

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

On Demand

Resources and info you need to prepare for the switch to DTV.

Viewer Poll

What should Oprah do after her show ends Sept. 9, 2011?
Read more and join the discussion

  • Start a primetime talk show
  • Go into politics
  • Focus on the Web and her magazine
  • More philanthropic work in Africa
  • Whatever she wants; the world's her oyster!