Orofino,Idaho-Window on the Clearwater
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National Weather Service-Missoula issues Flood Watch

National Weather Service-Missoula has issued a Flood Watch for Central Idaho including Orofino/Grangeville region, Lower Hells Canyon/Salmon River region, Norther Clearwater Mountains, Southern Clearwater Mountains and the Lower Clark Fork region of Montana from 2 p.m. Thursday through Friday morning.

They are forecasting periods of moderate to heavy rain Thursday afternoon through Friday morning. Some areas are forecast to receive one to two inches of rain by Friday afternoon. The rainfall and snowmelt will continue to contribute to small creek and river rises.

Areas of particular concern include: U.S. Highway 12 from Powell to Orofino, Idaho Highway 13 from Grangeville to Kooskia, U.S. Highway 95 from Riggins to Whitebird and Interstate 90 from Saint Regis to Lookout Pass.

A Flood Watch means there is potential for flooding based on current forecasts. People should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Clearwater County Emergency Management Coordinator Don Gardner said, "At this time, we should have no real issues. Orofino Creek should be fine. This system will produce thunderstorms and fast downpours for short periods of time. Some street pooling of water will happen and maybe some small debris flows off some hillsides could occur."

Below is the current graphic from the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service in Missoula showing that they predict the Clearwater River is expected to peak at just over 15 feet for a short time on Saturday. Fifteen feet is two feet below flood stage.


Window on the Clearwater
P.O. Box 2444
Orofino, ID 83544
Phone: (208) 476-0733
Fax: (208) 476-4140
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