Flood events in the BSL area are volume-related as opposed to peak flow. It takes several days or more of rainfall to produce flood conditions in BSL. Because of this, and the length of time it takes rain in the upper reaches of the watershed to reach BSL (for perspective it takes about one day for flows at Michigan Bar to reach Benson's Ferry), there is some time to assess conditions before flooding in Point Pleasant occurs. Residents can monitor rain and stream gauges on the internet for both real-time and forecasted conditions.
Flood elevations at Benson's Ferry reached 20.6 feet in 1986 and 20.9 feet in 1997 (vertical datum NGVD 1988). The relationship of Benson's Ferry elevations to Point Pleasant flooding isn't direct (flooding in Point Pleasant was actually worse in 1986) because it depends on the storm type and levee failures. However, the Benson's Ferry gauge is the best tool to warn residents of pending flood status because it has five days of forecasted flood elevations. Forecasting is a tool to make us aware of what may occur, becoming more accurate as peak stages approach. Yet, the steps needed to reduce flood damage and protect lives may require preplanning and early action.
The following table shows various flood elevations at Benson's Ferry, how it relates to the area, and the potential impacts and actions to be taken.
| 17.0 | Flood Stage. Some local farm roads are closed. Low lying areas along the river are flooded. Twin Cities Road begins to flood. | Residents should begin monitoring website.
Consider actions to protect equipment and livestock. |
| 18.0 | Field flooding likely. Lambert Road east of
Franklin Blvd. begins to flood. Cosumnes and Mokelumne River overflows may
enter Point Pleasant from the east. | Consider flood fighting measures, such as
sandbags, around structures. |
|
19.0 | Lambert Road may be impassable. |
Consider relocating to high ground. |
| 20.6 | High water in 1986 | Point Pleasant flooded to elevation 14.0 NGVD29 (16.3 feet NAVD88) |
| 21.0 | High water in 1997 | Point Pleasant flooded to elevation 11.8 NGVD29 (14.1 feet NAVD88) |
The Michigan Bar stream gauge can also serve as a warning tool since it has a five-day forecast, and it takes an additional day to reach Benson's Ferry. However the relationship of Michigan Bar elevations to Point Pleasant flood elevations is less reliable than Bensons Ferry so was not used in public notification. Following is a table showing various historic peak flood elevations at Michigan Bar Road.
| 13.18 | 1/11/2017 | Successive storms caused a large volume of water
to backup Snodgrass Slough. |
| 14.76 | 2/17/1986 | Levee and railroad embankment failures
exacerbated flood levels in Point Pleasant. |
| 15.19 | 2/10/2017 | Successive storms plus the prior month’s event
extended the period that stages remained high in Snodgrass Slough and the
Mokelumne River. |
| 18.54 | 1/2/1997 | Levee failures along the Cosumnes River in the
Wilton area lessened flooding experienced in Point Pleasant. |
Real Time Conditions
To view ALERT stream level data click the following links
Forecasted Stream Levels
