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PROVO — Residents along the Provo River have been warned to be alert this weekend for potential flooding, as Deer Creek Dam operators work to manage the flow of water against oncoming snowmelt.
The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for Provo River for areas below Deer Creek Dam, starting Saturday morning and extending to Monday morning.
Starting on Friday, dam operators began to release water into the Provo River in an effort to make space in the reservoir.
Homes along the Provo River may experience minor damage from the floodwaters.
Steve Cain, the facilities and land manager at the Provo River Water Users Association, said efforts have been made to warn local homeowners and people recreating along the river in advance of the release.
"Our concern is of course property damage, but what we are really concerned about is people who are recreating near the river who do not appreciate the energy that is available with this large amount of water and how cold the water is," Cain said.
Cain said the water releases are meant to control keep the reservoir at a safe capacity.
"You hesitate to release water too early, because you do not always know how the spring is going to go, but we have confidence now that there is enough water," Cain said.
He said there is a delicate balance in managing the water levels during the spring season.
