Flood emergency declared in Shoshone County

On Thursday afternoon, the Shoshone County commissioners declared a state of emergency for parts of the county due to flooding and significant road erosion. 

The declaration followed an emergency meeting called in response to rising water and damage to infrastructure. 

Floodwaters have pushed the Coeur d’Alene and St. Joe rivers over their banks, damaging multiple roadways. 

Shoshone County Public Works Director Jessica Stutzke said one section of Prichard Creek Road is a priority because it is the only access for residents of Eagle and Murray. About 90% of her workforce is hauling material to reinforce the road and keep it open. 

Beaver Creek Road is also at risk as erosion has eaten away the shoulder to the fog line. 

“I was watching with my eyes as chunks were falling off,” Stutzke told commissioners. 

Earlier this week, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch for eastern Kootenai, Shoshone and eastern Benewah counties, warning that heavy rain and melting snow could swell rivers, flood low-lying areas and trigger mudslides. The watch runs through Thursday evening. 

A flood warning is in effect for the Coeur d’Alene River at Cataldo through early Friday afternoon. The river is expected to crest near 43.5 feet, slightly above flood stage. Minor flooding could affect farmland between Cataldo, Rose Lake and Harrison, and the Cataldo campground may be underwater. Dudley Road west of Latour Creek and Old Coeur d’Alene River Road near Enaville may close. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a public safety alert Thursday urging residents to stay vigilant. 

“As always, small creeks and streams may be overbanking and historic low-lying areas and roadways will very likely see some water over the road,” Shoshone County Emergency Manager Dan Martinsen said. “Also, folks should not attempt to cross water over the road.” 

No evacuation orders have been issued, but Silver Valley Fire Rescue and the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office rescued three people from rising floodwaters late Thursday morning, about eight miles up Coeur d’Alene River Road. Two adults and a child were trapped in their home as swift water made evacuation impossible. Crews used the district’s new rescue boat to bring them to higher ground. 

Several roads are already underwater, including parts of Riverview Drive between Kingston and Cataldo. Closures include Old River Road, Riverview Drive, Beaver Creek Road and Elk Prairie Road near Calder. 

Resident Angela Austin said she wasn’t surprised her Kingston property near Old River Road flooded, but she was surprised by the timing.

She recalled seeing the river over the road during spring runoff in the 1980s but never in December. 

“That’s the part about it that’s throwing people off, I think,” Austin said. 

Brian Katt, a Kingston resident of six years, described seeing cars and trailers parked in low-lying areas submerged in the fast-moving floodwaters as he drove to work Thursday morning. 

"My house is on high ground, so I'm more worried about our neighbors down below," he said.

And while Katt has seen the area flood before, "it was never this bad," he said. "The river is almost touching the Cataldo bridge." 

The flood watch is scheduled to expire Thursday evening, but forecasted rain Friday could extend it. The flood warning for the Coeur d’Alene River near Cataldo may also be extended. 

The Idaho Transportation Department urges drivers to avoid standing water, which can hide hazards and damage vehicles. Crews are monitoring conditions and may implement detours. Motorists can check Idaho 511 for real-time updates. 

Officials advise residents to stay alert, avoid flooded areas and monitor forecasts. 

Updates on road closures or evacuation notices will be posted on the Shoshone County and Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office Facebook pages. 

    The section of Beaver Creek Road has eroded due to flooding on the nearby tributary creek. The road is currently closed.
  

    Several sections of Prichard Creek Road have water completely over the roads, resulting in crews from Shoshone County working to clear the roads and build the banks up so residents from nearby Eagle and Murray can get in and out of their communities.
  

    Several sections of Riverview Drive between Kingston and Cataldo are completely underwater due to flooding along the Coeur d'Alene River. Riverview Drive is currently closed.
  

    The Coeur d'Alene River is currently nearing flood stage in many areas, including several spots along the North Fork and between Kingston and Cataldo.