Torrential rains and melting snow pack can lead to flooding of some kind in our immediate area. The NWS is responsible in issuing warnings to protect the public's life and property from hazardous weather, including flooding.

The general term, flood, is used to describe flooding which occurs on the major rivers. More specifically, a Flood Warning is issued when water levels on one or more of the major, "mainstem" rivers are expected to reach flood stage, leading to dangerous and widespread flooding in the flood plain. The stages of the mainstem rivers are monitored by a network of river gauges which have been placed throughout the river basins.

Flash flooding pertains to a rapid rise, generally less than 6 hours, in water levels on non-mainstem rivers, creeks and other drainages. A dam break is characterized as a flash flood. When a Flash Flood Warning is issued, rapid rising levels are expected on smaller rivers within the next several hours, leading to hazardous flooding.

Urban flooding describes minor street flooding when gutters and storm drains back up or when ponding of water occurs in concrete depressions. Small stream flooding pertains to swollen streams and creeks which has led to nuisance flooding on roadways and in yards. These types of minor flooding occur often, but are not considered life threatening.

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US Dept of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service
Spokane Weather Forecast Office
2601 N. Rambo Rd.
Spokane, Washington 99224

Tel: (509) 244-0110