Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
MORGAN COUNTY -- It certainly is a sight to see: an 18-wheeler crossing a small bridge with rushing water high enough to touch the bottom of the bridge.
Morgan County workers, though, say it's not a problem.
County workers staying on top of floating debris
"The bridge is OK, yes," said Terry Turner, Morgan County's emergency management director. "The water is splashing up onto the road a little bit. The road department has been up there several times pulling debris out of the water."
The bridge is near the Croydon exit, off Interstate 84 in Morgan County. It's a busy bridge for big rigs heading to the nearby cement plant.
Lots of debris, like logs, have already been pulled out of this spot.
"We don't want anything plugged up in this," Turner said. "We want to keep the water flowing all the way through the county."
Thursday night, the water levels have actually decreased throughout northern Utah, especially in Salt Lake and Summit counties. Still, the Weber River is running higher than normal through Morgan County.
The water from that river is the same water that flooded parts of Oakley in Summit County.
When Oakley flooded earlier this week, Morgan County officials knew that water was coming their way. So far, though, only a few agricultural fields have been flooded.
"No homes or businesses I'm aware of," Turner said.
Some Utahns enjoying high waters
For those who like rafting on the river, all the rushing water is a paradise.
"I've got to admit, this is the first time I've run it when it's this high; so this will be an experience," said John Volt, of South Weber.
Volt and four friends got into a large raft near the Croydon bridge Thursday to take advantage of all the water.
"You don't get this that often," Volt said.
It's also an experience for photographers. Zach Schacht, of Provo, has been busy the past couple of days taking pictures of flooded areas.
"I've been up Little Cottonwood Canyon to see what was going on up there," Schacht said.
He decided to visit the Croydon bridge after hearing all the water rushing into it.
"There is an odd beauty to it," Schacht said. "I've gotten floating logs down the river."
Just don't get too close. The water may be pretty, but Turner says the rushing water is dangerous.
"We just ask that everyone be careful around the river," Turner said.
E-mail: acabrero@ksl.com
