Cold snap blamed for plumbing woes

SANDPOINT - A recent cold snap is being blamed for a number of plumbing problems across Bonner County.

Several buildings on Schweitzer Mountain, including the Selkirk Lodge, suffered minor water damage from two broken pipes, according to the resort's communication manager, Jennifer Ekstrom.

Because the leaking pipes originated in an unoccupied private residence in the lodge, employees were unaware of the problem for hours.

Several areas below the residence were damaged, including the Chimney Rock Grill. The restaurant was closed Wednesday while maintenance crews cleaned and repaired the pipes, but is expected to reopen today, Ekstrom said.

"I just know our maintenance crews have been on it around the clock doing a great job trying to minimize damage and they've been really pulling through in an amazing fashion," Ekstrom said.

Sandpoint City Hall was also affected by the cold weather, as several sprinkler heads on the building's second floor froze and caused minor water damage, according to Parks and Recreation Director Kim Woodruff.

"I don't think (we'll file) insurance claims at all, and no electronics were lost. It was very, very minor," Woodruff said. "It was a minor snag and we're back in action."

A faulty sprinkler at the newly-completed Luther Park senior living community resulted in minor carpet damage, according to Pastor Dave Olson of First Lutheran Church.

"We baptized the carpet a bit," Olson said.

Treacherous road conditions Wednesday caused scores of accidents throughout the region, according to Idaho State Police. ISP reported 20 slide offs, 32 accidents that involved property damage and 13 accidents with injuries.

Because of the blowing and drifting snow,  ISP is asking drivers to avoid driving whenever possible.

With road conditions worsening, Sandpoint Middle School canceled its choir concert Wednesday evening.