Flooding From Snowmelt

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

It is helpful to take preventative measures to protect your property from the dangers of flooding from melting snow.

The Harrisburg area has seen a significant amount of snowfall already this year and it is likely that we will see a bit more before spring. Homes and businesses, therefore, can still be subject to flooding from snowmelt, so it is helpful to take preventative measures to protect your property from the dangers of flooding from melting snow, which can include hefty expenses for repairs, mold growth, and even structural complications. Continue reading to gain a deeper understanding of the causes and effects of flooding from snowmelt as well as the ways in which you can best protect your residential or commercial property from unwanted water damage.

What is a Snowmelt Flood? 

A flood is categorized as a snowmelt flood when melting snow serves as the primary contributor to the water involved in the flooding, according to Weather.gov. In their Flooding Factsheet, Weather.gov highlights a difference between the saturation of rain into the ground and that of snow: Rain soaks into soil almost immediately upon impact, while snow takes longer to absorb into the ground because it must melt into water before it can enter the soil. If the moisture cannot be absorbed into the ground for whatever reason, it remains above ground, creating runoff, which often results in flooding. This is most common when the soil is already heavily saturated before the snow event, which can occur if the ground freezes or heavy rain or snow precedes the snow event. Weather.gov also states that snowmelt flooding happens every year in the United States and, in the 20th century, snowmelt contributed to eight of the most dangerous floods. 

How Should You Prepare?

Moving the snow off of and away from your home or business is the first step to take in order to prevent water damage resulting from snowmelt flooding. Around the perimeter of your property, shovel snow at least 4-6 ft away from the structure. Additionally, be sure to safely remove snow from your roof if possible. You can also protect the inside of your property from flood damage by relocating valuable items or storing them in water-tight containers. Important items should be moved to areas of higher elevation that are less at risk of flooding as opposed to a basement or the ground-floor level of your property. Perhaps the most important action to take in order to protect your property is crafting an emergency plan for flooding or water damage. All it takes is one phone call to SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall to initiate an effective emergency plan. 

Experiencing Snowmelt Flooding? Call SERVPRO

Nothing is ever easy for homeowners and business owners alike when dealing with a flooding emergency. However, in the midst of all the stress, one thing can be easy: Picking up the phone and calling SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall’s SERVPRO of Harrisburg West office at (717) 510-6779. No matter the time of day or the scope of your water damage, trust SERVPRO Team Wall’s experienced and expert water damage restoration technicians to restore your property to its preloss condition. More information about our Water Damage Restoration Services, offered to both residential and commercial properties, as well as our 24-Hour Emergency Services, our tried and true Water Damage Restoration Process, and our protocols for caring for your water damaged belongings, can all be found on our website.