Flood watch boosts slide concerns

SANDPOINT — Bonner and Pend Oreille counties remained under a flood watch on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service in Spokane.

Steady rains continued to fall over northern Idaho and eastern Washington. Portions of those regions received up to a half an inch as of Tuesday morning and up to another inch was expected by nightfall.

A flood watch means there is a potential for rock slides and rises on creeks and streams based on current forecasts. The National Weather Service recommends the public monitor forecasts and be alert for flood warnings.

The expected rainfall on Tuesday exacerbates concerns about the stability of steep slopes, the weather service said.

The weather service said creeks and small streams may experience rises on Tuesday in response to runoff from rain. However, temperatures were expected to remain cool, meaning there will little contribution from mountain snowmelt during the event, according to NWS.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and National Weather Service are hosting a meeting in Cusick, Wash., on Friday to discuss the risk of flooding on the Pend Oreille River.

The public meeting begins at 6 p.m. at Cusick High School, 305 Monumental Way.

Members of the public, elected officials and other stakeholders with an interest in Albeni Falls Dam and the Pend Oreille River are encouraged to attend.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.