With daytime temperatures expected to stay above freezing for most of this week, the heavy snow cover in many areas of the state will start melting. Where that run-off will go is a big concern, and it could put many areas of the state at risk for flooding.
Tod Pritchard with Wisconsin Emergency Management says the deep frost lines across much of the state means the ground is still “rock solid” in many areas. As a result, much of the snow melt is expected to flow in to rivers, streams, and lakes. That raises flooding concerns, if the temperature climbs too quickly or if rain speeds up the melting of the snow.
So far though, Pritchard says the weather looks like it will cooperate, with no rapid snow melt expected for at least the rest of March. Still, he warns that could change “at the drop of a hat” and the state will continue to watch the situation closely in the weeks to come.
