2006 Spring Snowmelt Hazards
The mountains have collected an exceptionally high snowpack in 2006.
This much above average snowpack and the very cool and wet spring weather
has delayed the spring snow melt. Temperatures are now warming quickly
allowing the snowpack to melt, generating high river stages at a time
when outdoor activities are increasing. During high snowpack years
mountain streams run high and reservoir operators make larger than normal
releases into downstream rivers. This year these high water levels and
large releases from nearly full reservoirs are expected to continue well
into June.
The spring snowmelt season presents several deadly hazards.
These are in the form of strong river currents and hypothermia.
The more obvious spring river hazard is the danger of the high water
levels and the associated strong river currents. The melting snow
causes most mountain rivers and streams to flow high and relatively fast.
Even though these flows may appear lower than the recent winter rain
generated flows, they are still strong, swift and potentially dangerous.
Remember it only takes a few inches of fast flowing water to sweep you
off your feet. Never leave children unattended or allow them to play
near high water.
The second deadly hazard associate with the spring snowmelt season is
hypothermia. During the spring and early summer the water in the rivers,
streams and reservoirs is being fed directly from the melting snow pack.
Water temperatures will be in the 40s and 50s, which is extremely cold.
Anyone caught unprepared in the cold water can quickly experience
hypothermia. Hypothermia is a sudden loss of body temperature that
can be fatal. Warning signs for hypothermia include uncontrolled
shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech,
drowsiness and apparent exhaustion.
Hypothermia is an unseen danger than can strike quickly and unnoticed.
Remember to monitor children closely as hypothermia can occur faster in
children than in adults.
Recreationalists on and along area rivers, streams and reservoirs should
remain alert in and near the water at all times. This is especially
critical during the spring snowmelt season when the water is running high
and fast and the water temperature is extremely cold.
Graphs of the latest snowpack water content by region is available from the Department of Water Resources CDEC web page at the following link:
http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/current/PLOT_SWC
|
www.weather.gov 
