Snowmelt and Delayed Flood

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         This past winter in Utah was unlike most of them in recent years. There was record snowfall compared to other years. We probably won't have a drought this year, but that comes at a price.

         It's not every day that hydrologists tell the public to be aware of potential floods in the area due to the snowmelt around here. It's also good to know we are not even halfway through the melting snow.

         For me, it's the first time I noticed the hydrological outlook warning on my weather app. The Brave AI's comment summarized it. It sounded like another way to say "flood watch." Except, the potential floods and water damage won't be from precipitation.

         One of my neighbors is not taking chances this time around. Several years ago, the water level exceeded the channel in a relatively tame year. Their basement got flooded. I'm sure the repairs cost a chunk of money.

         Since it's many people's first time paying attention to the water flow, we got some sandbags ready. The preparations for subsequent years should be less time-consuming when we figure out what to look out for.

         So, what is a hydrologist?

         In short, they study and manage the water supplies in your area and work closely with personnel such as public officials. It sounds boring, but it doesn't seem to be a bad-paying job for the amount of education you need.

         According to CareerExplorer, the average salary of a hydrologist in Utah is around $85K. The median in the US is $84K. The top-end ones make over $130K a year. The academic path to become one seems reasonable. While there are hydrology programs around the country, it would appear those with degrees in geology and environmental science qualify for such jobs as well.

         I kind of wish I knew about this as a university student. It would have been an interesting alternative for me.

Posted with STEMGeeks



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25 comments
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Seems like on the average, environmental disasters like flood are getting worse each year. There were devastating floods in some parts of Nigeria last year and there are warnings too that its a possibility this year too. So great to see that you and your neighbors are already taking steps to get ready just in case.

I kind of wish I knew about this as a university student. It would have been an interesting alternative for me.

Seems most university students have this feeling. I did Computer science. Its a really vast course of study. If I had my way again, I would have delved into back end development as my area of specialty. Hoping I'll find time to do additional programs in that area.

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Seems like on the average, environmental disasters like flood are getting worse each year.

Nah, we've had droughts for years. This is a welcoming change, until it becomes too frequent.

If I had my way again,

Glad I'm not the only one that thinks that.

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Droughts? Oh that is actually worse with devastating effect on farming - and life in general. Living in the tropics with year-round sufficient rainfall, its hard to imagine the situation over there. The floods are better then.

Glad I'm not the only one that thinks that.

Sure you are not.

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I hear the Great Salt Lake is likely to be significantly refilled with this year's runoff. California is also switching from drought to flood mode. Up north here, we're at about average snowpack in the mountains, and we're not looking at severe swings either way as far as I know.

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Not a bad thing considering they’ve been on about how the lake will disappear soon for years.

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Floods are not good, we are still facing the devastating effect of the flood last year, Hopefully you guys will be saved from it.

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I saw an article the other day where they were saying that over 75% of the snow melt in California was still there. It hadn't even started to melt yet and they are expecting even more floods than they have already gotten.

Best of luck to you! Basement floods are no fun. It sucks that you aren't even sure what to look for yet. I hope it doesn't get too bad for you.

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Yeah we still got 2/3 of the snow to go.

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Dang, that is nuts. Stay safe!

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Utah is going to seem some flooding for sure! Sandbags are a great investment!

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Yeehaw! That means gold! Or at least erosion exposing gems and minerals. Might have to swing by Gold Hill out in Tooele Co.

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I never thought about it like that.

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I try to stay positive when it's in my interests.

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A flood came here in Pakistan some time ago, till today the place has not been built and even the people who got houses have not been able to find houses till now, so things are very dangerous.

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I don’t think it will get anywhere as disastrous as the one in Pakistan.

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A hydrologist seems to be a multifaceted professional, since apart from having to possess knowledge of geology, he or she may also need to know about engineering because of the mechanics of how water behaves as it flows.

It is good that they are prepared with those sacs for any event.

Greetings and thanks for your input.

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I’ve seen a couple videos of new subdivisions built on a hillside washing away around Ogden I believe. Pretty wild to watch!

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