County expert details drainage solutions after Rose Park flooding ordeal
Flooding Concerns Rise in Salt Lake City: Residents Urged to Take Precautions
Severe Flooding in Rose Park Neighborhood Spurs Warnings
Following a recent deluge that resulted in severe flooding in the Rose Park neighborhood, Salt Lake County officials are urging residents in similar areas to implement preventative measures. Saturday’s storm overwhelmed city storm drains, impacting several homes.
“The water is all the way to our knees and all our childhood memories, everything’s gone,” recounted Hanh Ly, whose home was severely flooded. The overflow of a drainage ditch behind Ly’s home was a primary cause of the incident.
Response from Salt Lake County Flood Control
According to Kade Moncur, Director of the Salt Lake County Flood Control Division, the storm was concentrated directly over the Rose Park area, leading to a deluge of water. Four out of five of the county’s pumps were activated manually in response to rising water levels around 11:30 a.m. that Saturday. The two electric pumps engaged instantly, while diesel pumps took longer.
Moncur emphasized that the pumps are designed not to prevent flooding, but to manage water flow through the system. The geographic challenges of the area, described by Moncur as having “very little slope,” exacerbate drainage problems. Despite their age, the pumps functioned as intended, though were no match for the sheer volume of water.
- Four out of five pumps activated manually
- Two electric pumps and two diesel pumps used
- Geographic challenges contribute to drainage issues
Understanding the Limitations of Current Systems
The Rose Park Westpointe area is particularly prone to flooding. Moncur acknowledged the extraordinary nature of Saturday’s event, stating, “I wish we could prevent flooding, but that is just not possible. Without these pumps, the flood duration would be significantly longer.”
The incident coincides with Salt Lake City’s second rainiest day in 151 years, further highlighting the need for improved flood management strategies. As Salt Lake County continues to work on upgrading its flood control infrastructure, residents in affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for potential future flooding events.
For local updates and further guidance on how to mitigate flood risks, visit Emegypt.
