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HOLLADAY — Officials in Holladay have declared a state of local emergency to help the city prepare for possible flooding as water levels in Big Cottonwood Creek have steadily risen in recent days.
The emergency declaration will allow the city to access money and other resources should the spring runoff lead to flooding in the city, which has around four linear miles of Big Cottonwood Creek running through it.
"While we cannot control the current temperatures and rate of snowmelt from this natural event, Holladay has invested much time and resources preparing for the spring runoff," Mayor Rob Dahle said. "I am especially grateful for all the volunteers that have selflessly filled sandbags and helped their neighbors fortify their properties. This is an extraordinary situation and the emergency declaration will enable us to get more help when needed."
Residents living along Big and Little Cottonwood creeks told KSL-TV they noticed the water level rise by as much as a foot between Sunday and Monday. Although no flooding has been reported along the creeks, there is still a lot of water in the snowpack that will continue to melt as temperatures rise.
In a news release, city officials said they have been coordinating Salt Lake County Flood Control to prepare for flooding. The city has been monitoring snowpack and creek flow, stockpiling emergency response materials and clearing debris. Nearly 10,000 sandbags have been filled by volunteers, and city staff "stand ready to respond to flooding incidents, if and when needed," the release states.
Holladay has also closed a portion of Knudsen Park, through which Big Cottonwood Creek runs through, citing "strong currents and cold, swift water." State officials have also warned residents to avoid rivers this spring, as floodwaters will create potentially deadly situations.
City officials also provided information for residents on what to do if they encounter floodwaters:
- For emergencies or active flooding of a structure, call 911.
- For flooding on Big Cottonwood Creek or if floodwaters are approaching a structure on private property, call Salt Lake County Flood Control at 385-468-6600.
- For flooding in Knudsen Park, local roads or bridges, call the city of Holladay at 801-272-9450.
