Rivers and streams in central and western Wyoming are receding after melting snowpack poured the equivalent of at least 30 inches (76 centimeters) of water down mountains over the last several weeks, causing widespread flooding, interrupting travel on a r
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CHEYENNE (AP) – Rivers and streams in central and western Wyoming are receding after melting snowpack poured the equivalent of at least 30 inches (76 centimeters) of water down mountains over the last several weeks, causing widespread flooding, interrupting travel on a route to Yellowstone National Park and cutting irrigation water to farms.
But thanks to a lot of preparation work for the annual runoff, flood damage appears to be limited to mostly roads and some outbuildings, officials said Wednesday.
``Generally when we’re proactive and do the pre-work ahead we don’t end up with as much damage,’’ said Fremont County Emergency Management Coordinator Kathi Metzler.
Preparations began in January when snow was piling up in record amounts, Metzler said.
Officials warn that rivers and streams are still running high and remain dangerous. A heavy rainstorm could quickly send them over their banks.
``It’s going to stay moderate to high at least a couple or three more weeks,’’ said Jim Fahey, a hydrologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Riverton.
The Green River in southwest Wyoming and the Bighorn River at Worland were still near flood stage this week.