LAST WEEKS FLOOD OVERESTIMATED BECAUSE OF BROKEN GAGE

(06/11/2008)
By Bob Weaver

The recent Little Kanawha River flood was overestimated for the Calhoun Community by the National Weather Service, likely because of a malfunctioning river gage.

Estimates issued by the NWS were three or more feet higher than the actual crest reached during the high-point.

The NSW said the river would crest at 40 feet, which does cause considerable flooding and damage in Grantsville and other low-lying areas.

Grantsville resident Roger Jarvis, who lives close to the river and has a longtime concern about flooding in his house, said the water crested at about 36.5 to 37 feet.

"The water was rising quickly at one time, which caused real concern," Jarvis said.

The services likely erred on the high side because of the severe flooding in the greater Glenville area.

Last weeks flood, while it did cover many low lying areas, did not make the top ten list.

Historical Crests

(1) 43.90 ft on 03/07/1967

(2) 43.10 ft on 04/17/1939

(3) 42.87 ft on 11/05/1985

(4) 40.34 ft on 03/02/1997

(5) 39.50 ft on 12/15/1949

(5) 39.50 ft on 12/15/1948

(7) 39.47 ft on 02/02/1951

(8) 39.42 ft on 11/20/2003

(9) 38.76 ft on 01/26/1978

(10) 38.73 ft on 02/19/2000