(C) Idaho Capital Sun
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Emergency responders warn people to stay away from Boise River, amid snowmelt [1]
['Clark Corbin', 'More From Author', '- May']
Date: 2023-05
With the Boise River running high and fast, the Boise Fire Department issued a dangerous river condition notice on Friday, urging people to keep themselves and their pets away from the river.
The notice was issued in conjunction with the city of Boise’s Parks and Recreation Department, the Boise Police Department, Ada County Parks and Waterways and other groups and will remain in effect until further notice.
Sections of the Boise River Greenbelt have been underwater for several days and have been closed to the public and subject to detours.
Thanks to record March snowfall and a wet spring, much of southern Idaho had an above average snowpack in April. But hydrologists, water managers and meteorologists said that rapidly warming temperatures will accelerate the melting of that snowpack and could lead to flooding, including pushing the Boise River to flood stage, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported.
Fire officials said several dangerous conditions led them to issue the notice. Those conditions include:
Swift waters that can quickly carry people and pets away.
Cold waters that can cause people to lose control of their muscles and be unable to swim.
Debris in the water.
Soft and unstable river banks.
Low bridge clearances created by higher waters.
According to the Boise Fire Department, flows along the Boise River were about 6,000 cubic feet per second, which fire officials said is extremely dangerous for people and pets.
If you see a person struggling in the river: Do not enter the water.
Immediately call 911.
Tell the dispatcher the closest street, bridge, greenbelt mile marker or park.
Tell the dispatcher how many people are in the water, and on which side of the river. Source: Boise Fire
“Although we are not yet at flood stage (7,000 cubic feet per second), we want the public to be aware of the dangers associated with increased Boise River flows, as our greatest concern is for the safety of the public and our first responders,” Special Operations Division Chief Paul Roberts said in a written statement released by the Boise Fire Department.
“At this time, Boise Fire recommends that you do not recreate in the river, as these conditions can be life threatening,” the fire department’s press release said. “Keep pets leashed near the river as they may chase other animals and wildlife into the swift water and be swept away rapidly.”
The Boise Fire Department tweeted Monday afternoon that it was working with the Boise Police Department to respond to a report of a missing kayaker on the Boise River. No other information was available as of the Sun’s deadline.
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