Just curious if the snowfall is in areas that increase the risks of major flooding. I am wondering if the spring run off might be a bit higher than usual...

The big flood factor (besides water) is massive amounts of ice clogging chokepoints.

On Feb 4th, 2010, the river stage at Vidalia, La was 3 feet higher than the level was on Feb 4th, 1973. This does not bode well for the coming annual June rise that occurs annually.

I've taken out Flood Insurance, this year!

We're having a slow melt in DC, with a few more inches expected tomorrow.

The 10-day forecast has the high temps mostly in the 30s and topping out around 40 degrees so looks like we're not going to have a rapid melt that would cause extreme flooding. If we had a couple 60 degree days it would be another story for areas, such as the lowest blocks of Old Town Alexandria, that are right on the Potomac.

My neighborhood remains punctuated with virtual icebergs which have formed from snowplows running up against the snow people have dug out from around their cars and then there's the mountains of snow dug from the sidewalks. It's really an astonishing sight every time we walk around here.

I'm still taking a snowshoe pole with me everywhere, to get over the snow mountains at many intersections and the sidewalks that were never or poorly shoveled.

And we haven't had garbage pickup in the past 10 days. It's getting messy around here.

Once the snow starts melting, if you know where the storm drains are in the roadway along your street, it will help to clear them so the resultant water runoff does not turn your street into a enormous slurpee. Ask me how I know...

snowmelt mixed with garbage not being picked up equals clogged culverts and drains and localized flooding. If you floodwater runoff channels are flooded or clogged it can back up on your street and cause all manner of mischief. Be aware of overturned garbage cans and refuse in the street. It is amazing what a few poly bags can do to impeding water flow.

Yikes, that has to be taking a toll on parking spots. When I used to go back there in the 80's and early 90's, street parking in the residential areas was at a premium under the best of circumstances. We had unusually heavy snow fall last winter here in the south puget sound area and it seemed forever until those mounds of snow in parking lots melted away.

The flood warnings for Minnesota are already going out... the Red River Valley will likely have some and as Wildman800 said the ice dams will be a big factor too. I'm lucky where we're at the house is high enough that flooding isn't an issue. If I get flooded out, I'm going to be looking for my neighbor named Noah and ask for a ride!

Yes, indeed. Most aren't moving cars simply because of lost parking spaces. Cars have been dug out either through sweat equity or paying someone else to do it (it's been a stimulus for anyone carrying a shovel).

Others save their parking spaces as best they can, and I do respect their effort to do so. I haven't moved my car because I'm prepared enough to not need to. Maybe in a few days.

Great advice. A neighbor and I have taken ownership of the storm drains on our block.

My block has been terrific throughout these storms -- our sidewalks have been regularly shoveled and pathways are clear through our corners.

Dagny, your posts and photos here have made what has been going on there very clear to those of us in the rest of the country, esp those of us that don't have television service.

Thank you very much!

And nice dog photos, too...

Sue