Each year, melting snow transforms into powerful runoff that has the potential to wreak havoc on local communities. In Wasatch County, Public Works crews work year-round to prepare.
Each year, melting snow transforms into powerful runoff that has the potential to wreak havoc on local communities. In Wasatch County, Public Works crews work year-round to prepare for potential flooding, ensuring people and properties stay safe by taking proactive measures long before the water begins to flow.
Before the Melt
Earlier this spring, agency partners from Heber Valley gathered to hear a spring runoff update from the National Weather Service – Salt Lake City for the first-ever spring runoff coordination meeting.
While the National Weather Service reports that this year’s runoff impact predictions remain minor – preparedness is key.
“After 2022, when we had our big snowstorm year, we had a lot of roads wash out, creeks were crowded with debris and areas were affected where we didn't have trouble before,” said Public Works Superintendent Greg Charlesworth. “We realized we needed more maintenance and clearing of beaver dams and fallen trees and to make sure runoff flows where it’s supposed to flow.”
As part of their preparations, Public Works crews work year-round to keep waterways clear and reinforce vulnerable areas. This summer, Public Works crews realigned the right fork of Little Hobble Creek in Little Valley near Wallsburg to its original line of travel.
During the fall and winter months, Public Works crews fill an average of 3,000 sandbags and monitor the basins and remove trees, tires, and other debris.
Monitoring & Emergency Response
When a runoff event occurs, Wasatch County Public Works steps in – especially in smaller communities like Daniel and Charleston.
“Daniels Canyon is a pretty small creek most of the time, but after a heavy winter they can get a lot of runoff,” Wasatch County Public Works Director Terry Ekker explained.
During a flooding event, crews patrol known problem areas every two to three hours during the night, as peak flows often occur between midnight and 4 a.m.
“In an emergency situation like that, we go in and stabilize where we're seeing some erosion or pull big trees out,” Ekker said.
Post-Flood Recovery & Repairs
After a flood or runoff event, Public Works shifts from response to recovery, including sediment removal, rebuilding, and stabilization.
Following the 2023 runoff, Wasatch County received a Declaration of Emergency, providing eligibility for federal disaster funding through FEMA to help reimburse the county for road repairs, debris removal, and equipment and personnel costs.
Wasatch County Public Works completed road repairs at Little Valley, Big Pole, Little Pole and Little Hobble Creek in Wallsburg, and Guardsman Pass as well as clearing sediment out of the Lake Creek debris basin.
The final ongoing project is slope stabilization at Snake Creek.
“Over the years, the county has done some different things to try to stabilize that slope,” Ekker said. “Last fall we had a geotechnical consultant put in instrumentation to collect data, so we can start design on a solution to collect that water and get it away from the where we have the slope stability issues.”
How You Can Help Protect Your Community:
Residents play a huge role in preventing flood-related issues. Here’s how you can help:
- Keep flood channels clear—Avoid stacking yard waste, firewood, tires, or other objects near waterways – they can get swept away and prevent water from flowing.
- Avoid unauthorized structures— Bridges or other structures across flood channels can impede waterflow and worsen flooding.
- Work with county officials before making improvements in flood-prone areas.
“On some of these channels, they don't flow all year and they're dry, so it just doesn't feel like a big deal – until it is.” Ekker warned.
With careful preparation, real-time monitoring, and community support, Wasatch County is working to mitigate spring runoff flooding risks and keep residents safe.