Creeks swell with weekend rain

Above average rainfall over the weekend that increased run off in the rivers should not be cause for alarm, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

"Flooding as of right now shouldn’t be a major concern," said service soil conservationist Thom Blackbird.

According to the Ketchum Ranger District, an official weather station, the valley received a total of 1.13 inches of rain on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The 10-year average for rain between May 1 and 12 is 0.77 inches. This year, 2.36 inches of rain fell in that period, ranger district officials said.

Water in the snow pack in the mountains surrounding Wood River Valley accumulated at 79 percent of the 30-year average, however, total precipitation is 91 percent of normal.

"Principally, what is coming off is the low-elevation rain falls and maybe a little of the lower-elevation snow pack," Blackbird said.

The cooler temperatures last week and over the weekend slowed the snow melt at the higher elevations, and reduced the chance of flooding, he added.

Ketchum District Ranger Kurt Nelson said opening the local trails could be delayed if the rain continues.