Flood - May-June 1998

Event Summary:  Two weeks of rain fell on a melting melting snow pack, causing flooding along the Snake, Weiser, Payette and  Boise River drainages for the second year in a row.  A levee break near  Eagle Island caused flooding of nearby homes.

County Summary:  Weiser River floods businesses and trailer parks, residents evacuated.

The Idaho Statesman, May 15, 17, 28, June 2, 4, 1998

Flood - New Year's Day Storm - January 1-5, 1997

Event Summary:    $65,000,000.00 - New Year's day floods in the Weiser, Payette and Salmon River drainages of southwestern Idaho caused record flooding and numerous mudslides.  Warm temperatures combined with a rainfall 4-6 times the normal amount; the resulting snowmelt triggered devastating floods, mudslides and avalanches, extensively damaging communities and infrastructure throughout Idaho.  The community of South Banks was condemned because of extensive slide damage.  Over 400 miles of roads and several railroad lines were blocked or destroyed, stranding over 10,000 holiday travelers in western Idaho. Residents of McCall, Cascade, Banks, Lowman and Garden Valley were isolated.  Rivers were "running like chocolate," carrying huge trees, mud and boulders; the Snake River at Hells Canyon Dam crested at 101,728 cfs January 1, nearly 30,000 cfs over its previous record level on 2/23/82.  The crash of a plane carrying 5 people from  Boise to McCall, killing all, was a result of the weather.  Governor Batt declared 13 counties a disaster: Gem, Adams,  Washington, Idaho, Clearwater, Valley, Payette, Elmore, Latah, Boundary, Bonner, Shoshone and Boise.  A Federal disaster was declared on January 4, 1997

County Summary: Hwy 95 was closed in numerous areas because of mudslides.  A 1000' section of Hwy 95 was destroyed 4 miles south of Pinehurst by a mudslide.  70 people were evacuated by helicopter after being trapped between the Little Salmon River and a steep hillside. $1,719,940.00

The Idaho Statesman, January 1, 2, 3, 1997,  3/20/97

Wind -  August 7, 1993

Event Summary: Windstorms in  Western Idaho, with sustained gusts up to 50 mph, caused property damage.

County Summary: A windstorm with gusts up to 50 mph knocked down trees and power lines throughout the north end of the county.

The  Idaho Statesman  8/8/93

Drought - 1987-1992

Event Summary: 7 year drought, from 1987-1992.    This period saw the worst water shortage since the 1977 drought.   In 1987,  Idaho requested $5.8 million in Emergency Conservation Funds to aid drought-stricken farmers.   In 1988, in Oneida County, the Deep Creek Reservoir was shut off half-way through irrigation season because the water level was so low it was filling the sprinkler system with mud and silt.   Throughout the drought, reservoirs were consistently below capacity, resulting in irrigation water ending earlier than normal, crops being plowed under or not planted at all, and recreational activities being curtailed.   The drought caused high water temperatures in rivers, and the lack of perennial grass growth caused livestock to be removed from public lands early, while wildlife starved in many wintering areas.  Conservation measures were instituted for residential and commercial use.  Wells used for residential and agricultural sectors ran dry, and a moratorium on new wells was instituted.   In 1992 alone, $500 million was lost in agricultural production.

County Summary: 7 year drought (1987-1992) saw the worst water shortage in the state since the 1977 drought.

The  Idaho Statesman;  Idaho State Journal;  Idaho Press Tribune; Times-News; Spokesman

Earthquake -  August 22, 1983

Event Summary:  Earthquake shook western  Idaho

County Summary: A magnitude 3.1 earthquake centered near Council was felt as far south as six miles below Brownlee Dam; no damages were reported.

The  Idaho Statesman 10/30/83

Flood - 1/17-25/1974

Event Summary:  The western part of the state had an extremely cold winter during 1974-75.  Severe storms and snowmelt in January led to flooding.  A federal disaster was declared on  1/25/74The waters burst dams, blocked major roadways and forced evacuation of at least 1,000 people.

County Summary:  Idaho Statesman  19 Jan 74

Pestilence - July 1971

Event Summary:  Grasshoppers destroyed crops in the Magic Valley and Western Idaho

County Summary: Grasshoppers destroyed 185,000 acres of crops in Adams and  Washington Counties

Wildland Fire - Thorn Creek Fire;  Hells Canyon Fire -  July 15, 1960

Event Summary: Wildfires in Boise County and Adams County

County Summary: Hells Canyon Fire near Horse Mountain burned over 10,000 acres.

The  Idaho Statesman  7/18/60,  7/24/60

Flood -  December 18 - 26, 1955

Event Summary:    $1,500,000.00

Warm rain on snow led to snowmelt and runoff and  caused extensive flooding in the Weiser, Payette,  Boise and Little Salmon River basins.  Payette River peak discharge est. 21,900 cfs.  The flood damaged roads, farmlands and buildings, and caused loss of livestock.

County Summary: Ice jams in the Little Salmon River caused flooding along the river and destroyed Hwy 95 in several places. 

The Idaho Statesman  12/26/55; National Water Summary, 1988-89

Flood -  June 11, 1948

Event Summary:    $70,000.00

Rapid snowmelt caused flooding along the Salmon and Payette River tributaries.  Floodwaters heavily damaged forest roads and trails, and washed out fourteen bridges in the area north, east and southeast of McCall and Cascade.

County Summary: $70,000.00 - Flooding along the Salmon and Payette Rivers caused by rapid snowmelt washed out fourteen bridges and heavily damaged trails and campsites in the Payette National Forest.  Bridges closed included Fisher Creek, Lakefork over Lick Creek summit, two on Little Salmon, one over Cecesh summit, two on Mann Creek and Hornet Creek.

The Idaho Statesman 6/11/48

Severe Weather - January-February 1916

Event Summary:  Severe winter storm in western  Idaho resulting in 1 reported death, travel cut off.

County Summary: Severe winter storm: New Meadows isolated for 23 days with 15' of snow.

The  Idaho Statesman

Earthquake -  October 14, 1913

Event Summary:  A moderate earthquake in north-central Idaho. Intensity VI.

County Summary: Broken windows and dishes.

Idaho Statesman  1 Oct 89; Seismicity of the United States