AFTON — Spring temperatures in the 60s and 70s throughout Lincoln County have led to significant increases in snowmelt and runoff.

The Salt River is under flood advisory as of Tuesday, May 9. The river is currently in action stage, but forecast to cross into minor flood.

If warm temperatures persist, additional rise of the river is likely. The Lincoln County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management advises residents who live in the floodplain take immediate action to protect their property.

County and State resources are assisting with repairs to a levee northeast of Cokeville.

Homes throughout affected areas may experience subsurface water seeping up along waterways.

Residents in all areas of Lincoln County are encouraged to stay vigilant and ensure that preparations have been made to mitigate potential damage to homes, structures, property, and equipment. Lincoln County Emergency Management is focused primarily on critical infrastructure protection, but will also make resources available for local residents.

Ultimately, the responsibility for protection of homes and property lies with the owner. The County urges residents to ensure they have the proper insurance coverage for the area in which they reside.

Spring Creek and Crow Creek have overtopped their banks in and near Fairview. Water has encroached upon the roadways in Fairview, and Lincoln County Road & Bridge has closed Fairview North and Fairview South roads near the intersection with Crow Creek Road.

There has also been damage to private roadways in the area, preventing access to some homes.

Safety is paramount

Whether or not flooding occurs in your area, waterways will be running high and swift. If water covers all or part of a roadway, avoid driving through it, as you do not know the condition of the roadway beneath the water.

Flood waters can be contaminated with bacteria and other unhealthy substances. Flooded structures, including homes, are at risk for mold, which can cause health problems for people and pets.

Stay informed

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring the National Weather Service, local radio stations and social media. Lincoln County Emergency Management will give updates as situations change throughout the area.

Prepare your home

If you know that you are at risk of flooding, take actions to protect your home and property before the flooding begins. Move equipment and valuable items to higher ground, create barriers, and have flood insurance if you live in the floodplain. Have supplies and tools on hand to make additional provisions if needed. Ultimate responsibility for homes and property lies with the owner.

Be aware of alert systems In emergency situations, notification is critical. Lincoln County currently has mass-call capability through a system called CodeRED, which allows us to notify people of urgent or emergent situations via phone, text, email, and through CodeRED app alerts.

If you have a landline, your numbers are automatically added to the system once a year. If you need alerts on a cell phone, or other devices, go to our website (www.lcwy.org) and click on the “CodeRED” button to enter your cell phone or email information.

Another great source for emergency alerts is NOAA Weather Radio Public Alerts. If you have a weather radio with the Public Alert function, it can lie dormant until an alert is issued, at which time it will set off a tone and provide a warning message. This system is utilized not only for weather alerts, but also for other emergencies like Amber Alerts, boil water orders, etc.

For more information, contact Lincoln County Emergency Management.

If you are affected by flooding

If flooding occurs in basements, pumps may be used to force water back outside your home, and to mitigate further damage to property. Channel water away from your home by digging trenches or using barriers. If you live inside a municipality, contact your local government leaders and notify them of the situation in your area. For residents living outside municipalities, or for any special needs situations or answers to questions, please contact Lincoln County Emergency Management.

Report flooding through Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office dispatch at:

(307)885-5231 (Star Valley Area)

(307)877-3971 (Cokeville, Kemmerer, LaBarge areas).

Sandbags are available for public use by contacting us through Lincoln County Sherrif’s Office dispatch in your area.