Corps crew visits Lightning Creek

CLARK FORK - Acting on a request from Gov. C.L “Butch” Otter, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sent a team of two flood engineers and a hydrologist to Clark Fork Tuesday to investigate possible flood problems in Lightning Creek.

The corps staff worked in conjunction with local officials to determine the risk level that woody debris in the creek could pose during a flood. Much of the debris stems from a 2006 flash flood that caused an estimated $3 million in damages to roads, trails and bridges.

There could be as many as 20,000 tons of debris in the creek, which, if another flood occurs, could pose a threat to the Highway 200 bridge, the Montana Rail Link Bridge and the city of Clark Fork, said Bob Howard, director of Emergency Management for Bonner County.

The debris, combined with an above-average snowpack and rising spring temperatures could create an atmosphere conducive to dangerous flooding, according officials from the corps of engineers.

Howard accompanied the corps staff on their site visit and said that, while he is concerned about potential flood problems, he is confident the issues will be taken care of before a catastrophic event can occur.

Jay Baker of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security said he realizes the magnitude of a potential flood, but is optimistic that problems will be averted. Baker credits Howard and other local officials for their diligence in monitoring the creek.

“Everything that can be done is being done,” Baker said. “At the local level, all the counties are very actively staying on top of these issues.”

Baker said Otter has show concern about the creek and will be briefed on the status of the problem soon.

After a day on site, the corps staff returned to their Seattle office to compile a report on their findings, which will likely decide the course of preventative actions at the creek.