We started flood preparation in earnest the day before the flood crested (assuming that it crests today, that is). Fortunately, the great people at NOAA have a hydrograph that is extremely helpful for flood preparation. Here is the sensor nearest us at Millville.
Predictions said that the river would crest at 7am on June 4th at 15.6 feet. The prediction was off by 2 feet so far, but as far as we can tell from observation, the crest will happen soon.
We moved the boats up and rescued the submerged tables.
Amy took out her kayak. The dogs followed.
Then it was time for a cocktail. The Last Word…hmm.
The flood in earnest started overnight. First major indication of prediction error was that the car bridge submerged around 10pm. Jack and Eli arrived from DC (Jack came down from NY) around 11. We ignored the road closed signs, drove in the back way to our car bridge and forded the now lake-like creek in the dark.
In the morning, we woke up to discover that the crest had not yet happened. Time to move the cars!
The river is getting very close to the house now. About 2-3 feet of vertical elevation left before the basement floods. This calls for some kayaking.
Jun 04, 2018 @ 18:50:20
Glad it didn’t get any closer. It’ll just lay down some good fertilizer for the fall vegetables. You’ll likely get some free firewood for the winter solstice too. Turns out the top of our front retaining wall is almost exactly 17′ feet above flood plain, then there’s about 2.5′ before seepage under the house, then 20′ means water in the house.
Jun 04, 2018 @ 19:18:24
How exactly did you ford the creek with your boys? Do I even want to know?!
Jun 04, 2018 @ 20:53:08
I carried them over, one under each arm. Balanced Jack’s luggage and the van on my head.
Jul 02, 2018 @ 09:43:04
Recent Crests
(1) 12.62 ft on 06/24/2018
(2) 17.52 ft on 06/04/2018
(3) 10.63 ft on 05/19/2018
Eagles and Econolines: The Shenandoah River in July | Apothecary Shed
Jul 09, 2018 @ 16:27:11