A state of emergency has been declared in Utah where a record-breaking amount of snow is now starting to melt, creating a risk of flooding that is expected to last for months.
Governor Spencer Cox issued the declaration Tuesday due to flooding and the resulting avalanches, landslides, rockslides, mudslides and other dangerous conditions the state is experiencing as a result of the melting snow.
According to the declaration, Utah received a record amount of snow over the winter, with snowpack levels close to or exceeding 200% of normal in much of the state.
"We're incredibly grateful for the moisture we've received this winter but the extra rain and hefty snowpack present increasing flood risks as the snow melts," Cox said in a statement. "By declaring a state of emergency, the state will be better able to tap into reserve funds to support flood response and mitigation efforts. In short, we'll be better prepared for what lies ahead this spring."
According to the Utah Department of Natural Resources, snowpack peaks around the first of April with an average of 15.8 inches. This year, the peak was 30 inches, making it Utah's deepest snowpack on record.
The emergency declaration will make a big difference as the state has already depleted $5 million that was set aside by lawmakers during the past legislative session for flood mitigation efforts, Cox said. The declaration allows officials to tap into the State Disaster Recovery Restricted Account for additional resources, and also permits the state to seek aid from both the federal government as well as other states.
So far, the state has deployed resources to help communities prepare for flooding, including more than 1 million sandbags. Several of those communities have also declared local emergencies.
The emergency declaration will remain in effect for the next 30 days, or longer if lawmakers extend it.
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