Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
Phone: (208)267-3151
Fax: (208)267-7045
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P.O. Box 419 Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 Phone: (208)267-3151 Fax: (208)267-7045 |
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| Demographics | Demographics
Boundary County has two incorporated communities, Moyie Springs (pop. 656) and Bonners Ferry (pop. 2,515). The total population for the county in 2000 was 9,871. That is an increase of 18.5% since 1990.
Land Area: 1,277 square miles. Established January 23, 1915 with its county seat at Bonners Ferry. It was so named because it borders Canada in the north, Washington on the west, and Montana on the east as well as Bonner County on the south. County Seat: Bonners Ferry Landslide - 10/16/1998 Event Summary: $1,000,000.00 - A mudslide of up to 350,000 cm of material occurred on US 95 north of Bonners Ferry. It destroyed sections of a county road, a Union Pacific Railroad track, and a main power line. The area was declared a disaster by Governor Batt on 10/19/98. County Summary: A mudslide of up to 350,000 cm of material occurred on US 95 north of Bonners Ferry. It destroyed sections of a county road, a Union Pacific Railroad track, and a main power line. $1,000,000.00 Idaho Transportation Department Flood - 3/20/1997 Event Summary: Rain showers led to flooding in North Idaho counties. County Summary: Mudslides were battled along Highway 95. The Spokesman-Review 21 Mar 97 Landslide - 03/12/1997 Event Summary: $9,500,000.00 - Mudslides plagued North Idaho. County Summary: A 300-foot-long mudslide closed highway 95 at mile post 504 south of Bonners Ferry. The slide consisted of trees and debris about 4-feet deep. A 150-foot-long mudslide closed highway 95 at mile post 504 south of Bonners Ferry one week later. $8,783,000.00 Idaho Transportation Department 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: The roof at Sandpoint High caved in under the weight of snow. 320 National Guardsmen called in to help the community. $70,472.00 The Idaho Statesman 1/1/97, 3/20/97 Severe Weather - 2/1996 Event Summary: $100,000,000.00 - The worst flooding in 30 years forces thousands to flee. "one week deep freeze, the next deep water". The deluge was triggered from fast-melting snow and days of heavy rains. $5 million worth of damage occurred to highways from Bonners Ferry to Grangeville. County Summary: Declared a disaster area. An ice jam from the Moyie River flooded the town of Eastport. Residents were evacuated. The Spokesman-Review 9 Feb 96 Volcanic - 5/19/1980 Event Summary: $13,700,000.00 - Mount St. Helens erupted from Washington spewing volcanic ash over several states. Dust covered cities and contaminated drinking water. The fallout prompted Governor Evans to declare a state of emergency. The counties in the panhandle received from one-inch to 3-inches of an ash blanket. Costs for increased unemployment, destruction of vehicles and other equipment, damage to crops, livestock and timber, and lost tax revenues was about $13.7 million. This does not include loss to residents, local businesses and government. County Summary: Flood - 1/15/1974 Event Summary: $116,000,000.00 - Flood waters isolated much of the Coeur d'Alene mining district. The waters burst dams, blocked major roadways and forced evacuation of at least 1,000 persons. About $65 million in damages. Shoshone and Benewah hardest hit. $9.5 million in damage to road systems. $51.4 million in damage to private property. Governor Andrus declared the counties disaster areas. More than 30 bridges were destroyed in 3 counties. County Summary: Most damage was limited to bridges and culverts. About 10,000 acres were under water for a short period. Lewiston Morning Tribune 21 Jan 74 Wildland Fire- 7/27-8/24/1967 Event Summary: $18,500,000.00 - A state of emergency was declared because of fires, closing range and forest land north of the Salmon River to the public. The Idaho National Guard was dispatched to aid the fire fighters. Fires were burning throughout the Coeur d'Alene, Nez Perce, and St. Joe National Forests. 70,000-80,000 acres were burned. Wind gusts were up to 60 miles per hour. 2 fire fighters died in the blaze. "Deficit spending" was allowed to cover the costs of firefighting. County Summary: The Sundance Fire killed 2 fire fighters and burned 96,000 acres near Bonners Ferry. The Trapper Peak fire burned 16,000 acres. Costs were set at $16 million in lost resources and to fight the fire. $16,000,000.00 Idaho Statesman 3-7 Sept 67; Lewiston Morning Tribune Flood - 5/21/1956 Event Summary: Floodwaters washed over 6,500 acres of farmland. The drinking water became polluted and made it necessary to bring in water from other places. Homes in Bonners Ferry evacuated. The governor declared an emergency in Lewiston County Summary: The Army was called in to fight off the bulging Kootenai River after it flooded over 6,500 acres of farm land. Homes were evacuated in Bonners Ferry. Idaho Statesman 24 May 56; Lewiston Morning Tribune 21 May 1956 Flood - 6/12-17/1950 Event Summary: $1,000,000.00 - Flooding in Northern Idaho. A cloudburst caused flooding in the Lewiston area. County Summary: The Kootenai River flooded, covering over 1,000 acres of farm land. Bonners Ferry saw the worst of the flooding. Lewiston Morning Tribune 25 June 50 Flood - 5/23-6/5/1948 Event Summary: The 1948 flood was caused by abnormal snowmelt augmented by rainstorms the latter part of May and in June. The floods caused contamination of the water system, which left residents without drinking water. Over $3,700,000 damage to roads and highways. $30 Million damage to crops. County Summary: Bonners Ferry is "ruined" said Governor Robins. "It probably will take ten years to put that area back on its feet." 30,000 acres of 40-bushel wheat land was ruined when the Kootenai River ripped out 14 dikes. Flood Emergency Declared $15,000,000.00 Lewiston Morning Tribune Identified Hazards (Most likely to occur & greatest impact)
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