Corps will address spring flooding Nov. 6

Officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will share information from its review of the spring 2006 Kootenai River flooding from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 at the Kootenai River Inn, 7169 Plaza Street in Bonners Ferry.

The purpose of the meeting is to share results of the Corps' After Action Report (AAR), prepared after this spring's flood event on the Kootenai River. During this "Spring Run-Off Event," the Kootenai River reached 1,766.56 feet above mean sea level, more than 2.5 feet over floodstage at Bonners Ferry. This resulted in localized flooding and extensive flood fighting activities by local officials and the Corps.

The Corps is the lead agency in the presentation, and other federal agencies have been invited. The National Weather Service has indicated they will participate in the meeting. There will also be a discussion on how the results of the AAR will help inform a decision on river operations in 2007.

AARs are prepared for flood events, in accordance with Corps regulations. The AAR on the this spring's flooding includes a discussion of the emergency response; the types of emergency assistance provided; coordination with other federal, state, and local agencies; analysis of the effectiveness of the emergency response; and a description of the water management operation of Libby Dam in 2006. Copies of the report will be available to the public on the Corps' Web site at www.nws.usace.army.mil.

For more information on the meeting, contact Nola Leyde, a public affairs specialist for the Corps' Seattle District at (206) 764-6896.