Flood advisory issued Thursday

SANDPOINT — The National Weather Service in Spokane issued a flood advisory Thursday for Bonner and Boundary counties.

The service said mud slides and rock slides are the biggest concern as soils become increasingly saturated, particularly on steeper slopes.

Rainfall of 1.60 inches was measured in Sandpoint on Thursday, according to the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network. Comparable amounts of rainfall were reported in Sagle, Clark Fork, Dover and Coolin.

Lesser amounts of rain were reported on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to CoCoRaHS.

Bonner County Emergency Management Director Bob Howard said his department was monitoring Rapid Lightning Creek, where rushing waters are eroding and encroaching the roadway.

“It’s taken some of the edge off the blacktop,” said Howard.

The road remains passable, although Howard advises motorists to use caution.

Howard said he investigated whether federal funding could be obtained for repairing Rapid Lightning Road, but it does not fit the criteria for such funding.

“Road & Bridge will have to make the repairs,” he said.

The Independent Highway District reportedly reduced Ontario Street to a single lane of travel at Chuck Slough due to softening road shoulders.

The Weather Service forecasts likely or chance rain showers through Monday.

There could be a break in rain on Sunday, although there is a slight chance of thunderstorms on that day.