NEBRASKA CITY – Saturated soils and ice jams are boosting the risk of spring flooding.
While the snowpack and frost depth are considered in the normal range, the National Weather Service are closely watching stream flows and ice jams on the Platte, Loup and Elkhorn rivers.
The weather service says the risk of flooding grows as cold temperatures extend into March.
As of Feb. 21, flooding on the Missouri River between Nebraska City and Rulo is listed at “much above normal.”
Hydrologist David Pearson says flooding this spring will largely be dependent on the location and intensity of additional precipitation and thunderstorms.
The flood risk on the Platte River between Columbus and Plattsmouth is also at “above normal.” This due both to ice jams and open water flooding.
Flooding of the Nishnabotna River at Hamburg is listed at “much above normal” Also “much above” are the North Fork of the Elkhorn River, Shell Creek and Wahoo Creek.
The Little Nemaha River is at “above “normal risk.
