City Government

Random River Ramblings, Rants, & Reviews

OUR BOISE RIVER is not only the lifeblood of our city, but the focus of most of the news these days. Flows are increasing to “flood stage” in excess of 7,000 cubic feet per second causing damage to the prized Greenbelt and threatening the high end houses near the banks–all the way through the valley.

hydrologist2.jpg

To get accurate, unobstructed stream flow measurements, hydrologists ride out to the middle of the river upstream from the Glenwood bridge on a little cable car. They lower an airplane looking device into the water and the current turns the “propeller” to indicate the water speed which is combined with the depth to calculate the CFS.

The flooding is cause for poking fun at the TV reporters who like to wade in the water–bare legged or with boots–on camera.

It has also prompted calls to insurance agents about flood insurance–there is a waiting period and it costs about $12 per $1,000 worth of coverage. That’s $3,600 for a $300,000 house and there aren’t many that cheap along the river.

Then there is the classification of one of the “most threatened” rivers in the country, thanks in part to a proposed gold mine near Atlanta on the Middle Fork of the Boise. Developers say their plan to use a cyanide leaching process to extract the gold from the ore is “bulletproof.” Those of us who take our drinking water and fish out of the river aren’t eager to see if our Kevlar vests are effective. Doubt if you see this “national recognition” on the Boise City or Chamber of Commerce web sites.

Finally, remember the hassle about the “warning signs” the GUARDIAN wanted along the river when the tree blocked the flow? Must be “risk management” and legal folks had a change of heart and allowed the Parks Dept. to warn people of danger spots.

Comments & Discussion

Comments are closed for this post.

  1. For some good perspective on rivers and flooding, check out the this video:
    http://www.americanrivers.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AMR_MER2006

    It talks about the ten “Most Endangered” rivers of 2006, and how bad flood control projects are an ongoing problem across the country.

  2. What is really getting to me about this recent flood focus is that the valley “news” powers-that-be have decided to employ hurricane Katrina buzzwords. It irks me to see their uber-serious mugs reporting things like, failing levees, massive flooding, and widespread damage.

    Do they suppose that by using these buzzwords viewers will lean a little closer to their TVs in orgasmic anticipation of the drama that might unfold.. the likes of which we saw last August in New Orleans? Fewer theatrics and more facts, please. It’s getting old.

  3. People who buy houses in a flood plain need to have their heads examined. Regarding industrial pollution on the river, I tried to keep up with sugar plant pollution in the 1960s with a series of articles that won a national award. Glad I could contribute to My Own Private Idaho.

  4. Yeah, you can see it in their eyes!

    They are so effin’ happy about this flood business it is sick. The anchorwoman on 6 gets this really crazed look in her eye when bad stuff goes down.

    And let’s not forget Channel 7 and their TEAM COVERAGE!

    I would gladly pay for their ADHD drugs if they need me to.

  5. Everyone's favorite
    Apr 21, 2006, 10:43 pm

    To IEC:
    I really don’t think the reporters put that much thought into it. Comparing it to New Orleans? Even they have more sense than to do that.

  6. Everyone's favorite
    Apr 21, 2006, 10:43 pm

    To IEC:
    I really don’t think the reporters put that much thought into it. Comparing it to New Orleans? Even they have more sense than to do that.

  7. Everyone's favorite
    Apr 21, 2006, 10:43 pm

    To IEC:
    I really don’t think the reporters put that much thought into it. Comparing it to New Orleans? Even they have more sense than to do that.

  8. Everyone's favorite
    Apr 21, 2006, 10:43 pm

    To IEC:
    I really don’t think the reporters put that much thought into it. Comparing it to New Orleans? Even they have more sense than to do that.

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