Rapid Snow Melt Could Cause Local Flooding

Weather Alert - Potential Flooding and Dangerous Waterways
Posted on Mar 09, 2023

Mountain Snow Melt from Upcoming Storm Could Cause Potential Flooding and Dangerous Waterways

County officials are estimating that the snowpack in our mountains is equivalent to 15 inches of rain. So, while this weekend's storm is forecast to being less than an inch in San Bernardino, the warmer weather and tropical moisture could result in a significant snow melt from the unprecedented snowpack in our mountains.

As a result, residents are being warned to stay out of flood control channels, riverbeds, and areas that are prone to flash floods, including Waterman Canyon due to anticipated high-water levels and dangerous debris. Water levels can rise quickly and unexpectedly, even if it is not raining where you are.

Sand and sandbags are available at Wildwood, Blair, Nunez, and Lytle Creek parks, with crews on hand at Wildwood Park on Friday and Saturday from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm to assist residents in filling sandbags.

To report flooding or other rain related safety issues M-F from 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, please call (909) 384-7272.

 On weekends and after 4:30 pm during the week, please call the San Bernardino Police Dispatch at (909) 383-5311.

The San Bernardino Public Works Department and Police Department are working closely with San Bernardino County Fire in preparation for this event. Teams are being deployed to flood control channels and riverbeds to warn homeless individuals. Public Works crews and County Aviation have been assigned to monitor flood prone areas as well. Crews and equipment are on standby.

Signs at all flood-prone locations are being staged along with barricades for potential road closures as needed. The Patton drainage gate will be opened to prevent any accumulation of debris. Pre-clearing of storm drains is ongoing.