NWS delay to lower flood stage causes local concern

By KATHY NUSSBERGER

Managing Editor

After Spokane based National Weather Service (NWS) Meteorologist in Charge John Livingston, announced his decision to delay lowering the flood stage on the Kootenai River until fall, area officials and community members said it was a major blow to the residents and property owners of Boundary County.

Boundary County Emergency Incident Commander Bob Graham, explained how the process of trying to lower the flood stage has been going on for the past 12 years.

"The actions of a very few individuals to stop this reduction has cost Boundary County its best chance to get a flood stage that more accurately portrays the needs of our county," Graham said. "A few months ago, John Livingston sent a letter to County officials publicly announcing his intention to reduce the flood stage from 1764 to 1762."

In the letter Livingston said, "the National Weather Service in Spokane, Wash., intends to change the flood stage for the Kootenai River at Bonners Ferry, Idaho. The flood stage of 1764 would be lowered to 1762 effective March 21, 2007. The lowering of the flood stage is based on threats to public safety and property along this reach of the Kootenai River. This action is a result of a request from you (Boundary County Commissioners) and the Mayor of Bonners Ferry. The Governor of the State of Idaho and the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security endorse this change."

However, on April 16, more than three weeks after the date set for lowering the flood stage, Livingston arrived in Bonners Ferry to announce that he had decided to delay making a final decision until the fall.

"I knew Livingston was coming to see us, but I fully expected him to move forward with lowering the flood stage, so I was very disappointed when he announced his decision," Commissioner Ron Smith said.

Commissioner Walt Kirby, said he voted in favor of lowering the flood stage because he sat and listened to the community's pleas for lowering it.

"My feeling is that a flood stage of 1762 will help prevent the severe damage we have experienced in the past," Kirby said.

Graham said in his opinion that the change was directly related to the public meeting with area residents and farmers because there was not unanimous support for Livingston's position to lower the flood stage.

"It raised a red flag to those in charge, and it is my belief that the initial two to one vote by the commissioners created a behind the scenes movement to pressure Livingston into withdrawing his intention," Graham explained. "Although a later vote by the commissioners indicated a unanimous decision, the damage was done. Those working behind the scenes did not want the public to know who they were or their rational for fighting against it, but they won."

County Commissioner Dan Dinning added that Livingston did not say the lowering of the flood stage is off the table, rather that he was delaying making a final decision until further information could be gathered.

"Last year's events were tragic, but if Livingston felt he needed more time to gather information," Dinning explained. "I am not against going to 1762, but again, I feel it is prudent for him to get all available information before making a decision."

In his letter supporting lowering the flood stage, Livingston pointed out that "based on the flood events of May and June 2006, it was determined that damage and threats to public safety start when the river reaches 1762. This is based on input from local officials, observations by NWS personnel, a report and photo documentation received from the Army Corps."

Graham added, "I know Livingston saw the wisdom of lowering the flood stage, especially after the damage incurred during last year's flooding."

Local property owner and farmer Bill Michaulk, explained that he now believes the promise of lowering the flood stage is a thing of the past.

"That was Livingston's way of letting us down easily, we have lost the issue as of now," Michaulk said. "We will never be this close again. It is done and will never be resurrected."

Michaulk added that if a life safety issue happens, such as someone drowning as a result of this issue, which has happened before, "I place the blame squarely on the failure of that first vote by the Boundary County Commissioners. Their failure to show a unanimous position and recognize the importance of this cannot be excused. Not for any reason."

Michaulk explained that between the loss of crops, pasture land and soil erosion along the river bank, he suffered major damages last year.

"If you sense a little bit of anger, it is because I believe the Corps does not view this as a life safety issue unless the entire town is under 10 feet of water," Michaulk said. "Last year's flooding occurred after some unexpected weather patterns hit and dumped more rain than expected coupled with a higher spring run-off than was initially predicted by the NWS."

Nola Leyde, Public Affairs Specialist for the Army Corps of Engineers, said the protection of human life, health and safety of those downstream of the project is the Corps' highest priority.

"When operating Libby Dam for multiple purposes, including flood control, hydropower, and fish and wildlife," Leyde said. "The Corps is aware that flood issues in Boundary County can occur at stages lower than 1764'. The NWS is responsible for setting the flood stage levels. The Corps supports the current flood stage of 1764' at Bonners Ferry. We understand the threat of flooding occurs at lower stages, and we have recommended the NWS implement an action stage at 1762' to assure that local communities are notified when necessary."

Leyde added that the Corps will provide emergency assistance at any river stage if there is an imminent threat of flooding to improved property or risk to life safety. "Regardless of flood control operation, Libby Dam can never prevent all flooding in the Kootenai Valley."