SAFFORD — The Gila River flooding that forced evacuations in Duncan did not occur downstream in Safford, though the river did rise to a concerning level.
In a press release issued Tuesday, the City of Safford said the river peaked at an elevation of 22.63 feet at 3 a.m. Tuesday, east of the Sanchez Bridge.
The U.S Geological Survey declares that minor flooding occurs when the river at at the Solomon gauge rises to 21 feet and moderate flooding danger occurs at 22.5 feet. A major flooding event occurs when the river rises to 24 feet.
“Currently with the flows passing through the Safford area, no reports of property damage have been reported. With the levels now receding, there is no anticipation of damage to structures within the City of Safford area,” the press release reads.
Meanwhile Graham County is monitoring the river on the western side of the Gila Valley, between Eden and Fort Thomas, where excessive vegetation and a bottleneck of the river is limiting water flow. And Graham County Supervisor Paul David is assisting Bylas by bringing in heavy machinery to help shore up berms against any potential flooding.
The Town of Duncan lifted its evacuation order at 7 a.m. Tuesday. Mayor Anne Thurman signed a declaration of emergency at noon Monday, calling on the state to issue aid to the community.
Meanwhile, anyone wishing to volunteer or donate to help families whose homes or businesses were impacted by Monday’s flooding are asked to meet at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Duncan Chapel.
The rapid rise of the river is the result of heavy rains upstream in New Mexico, where more rain is expected today. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Cliff, N.M., which is expected to see scattered and numerous thunderstorms, especially in the early evening.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers is possible,” the flood watch reads.
The National Weather Service is predicting drier air to move into the Upper Gila River Valley area Wednesday and Thursday; however, there is a greater chance for more storm activity during the weekend.
Graham County has made sandbags available at the Graham County Fairgrounds by the maintenance building. Thatcher has sand and sandbags available at the town’s Public Works yard on Reay Lane. Residents are welcome to the bags but they must fill the bags themselves.
City of Safford has sand available for filling sand bags west of the City Mesa Yard Office Complex at 405 W. Discovery Park Blvd., for anyone wanting to fill his or her own sand bags. Five sand bags per Safford household are also available during regular weekday business hours at the Safford Public Works Office at 220 W. Discovery Park Blvd.
