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Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Burlington VT
200 PM EDT Mon Sep 11 2023

To: Subscribers:
        -Family of Services
        -NOAA Weather Wire Service
        -Emergency Managers Weather Information Network
        Other NWS partners, users and employees

From:Gabriel Langbauer
Meteorologist in Charge
 Weather Forecast Office Burlington, VT

        John Goff
        Senior Service Hydrologist
        Weather Forecast Office Burlington, VT

Subj:   New major flood stage level and updated impact statements
  for the stream gauge at Waterbury, VT on the Winooski River.

Effective at approximately 0900 UTC Coordinated Universal Time on
Tuesday, October 17, 2023, the NWS in Burlington will lower the
major flood stage level from 428.0 feet to 425.0 feet for the
stream gauge at Waterbury, VT on the Winooski River. The levels
for minor and moderate flood stage (419.0 and 421.0 feet,
respectively) will remain unchanged. Those are shown below for
reference.

This change is a result of recent flood damage assessment surveys
performed in the region during which a re-evaluation of the local
floodplain within the stream gauge reach was coordinated with
local town officials. In addition to the new major flood stage
level, updated wording will be incorporated into impact statements
at moderate, major and record flood levels. Those are also shown
below for reference, which will provide added situational
awareness to local citizens and emergency responders during future
flooding events.

FLOOD CATEGORY LEVELS FOR THE STREAM GAUGE AT WATERBURY, VERMONT
ON THE WINOOSKI RIVER
-------------------------------------------------------------------

    FLOOD LEVEL         WAS             NEW FLOOD LEVEL

ACTION/BANKFULL     417.0 FT417.0 FT (UNCHANGED)
MINOR FLOOD419.0 FT419.0 FT (UNCHANGED)
    MODERATE FLOOD421.0 FT421.0 FT (UNCHANGED)
MAJOR FLOOD428.0 FT425.0 FT (NEW)


UPDATED FLOOD IMPACT STATEMENTS FOR THE STREAM GAUGE AT WATERBURY,
VERMONT ON THE WINOOSKI RIVER
--------------------------------------------------------------------

    FLOOD LEVEL:    MODERATE FLOOD
    UPDATED IMPACT: In Waterbury, high water will encroach properties
on Randall Street, Foundry Street, and Route 2
crossing Thatcher Brook. Rowe Field will flood.
High water will also approach low lying parking
lots at the Waterbury State Office Complex. Downstream
in Richmond, Bridge Street near the Round Church and
the public recreational fields will begin to flood.
Considerable field flooding will occur from Waterbury
downstream through Richmond.

    FLOOD LEVEL:    MAJOR FLOOD
    UPDATED IMPACT: There will be widespread, and in some cases severe
flooding from Waterbury downstream through Richmond.
In Waterbury, homes and businesses along Randall
Street, Healy Court, Foundry Street, and the lower
portions of Elm Street will flood with some
evacuations likely. Route 2 will be inundated just
east of the Winooski River Bridge, and at the Thatcher
Brook crossing by the railroad bridge limiting access
to town. Flooding will also affect homes on the lower
portions of Union Street and high water will approach
condos on O`Hear Court. High water will also block
access to the Waterbury State Office Complex, and the
Fire Station and areas on Parker Court will flood. In
Richmond, Bridge Street near the Round Church will be
inundated and flooding will impact some residences on
Esplanade Street and Cochran Road. The public
recreational fields will flood.

    GAUGE LEVEL:    430.0 FEET (RECORD)
    UPDATED IMPACT: There will be widespread, devastating flooding in
the Winooski River Valley from Waterbury downstream
through Richmond. In Waterbury, many homes and
businesses will flood, including those on Main Street,
Elm Street, Parker Court, Foundry Street, Union
Street, O`Hear Court, Healy Court and Randall Street,
with numerous evacuations needed. Route 2 will be
inundated east of the Winooski River Bridge and at
the Thatcher Brook crossing by the railroad tracks,
severely restricting access to town. The Fire Station
will experience severe flooding and the Waterbury
State Office Complex will be isolated by high water.
In Richmond, many homes will be impacted by flooding,
including those on Bridge and Esplanade Streets, and
along portions of Cochran Road with evacuations
needed. This stage is equivalent to the FEMA One
Percent Annual Chance Flood.

The National Weather Service welcomes public feedback. If you have
any questions or comments concerning this change, please contact:

John Goff
Senior Service Hydrologist
National Weather Service Burlington, VT
Phone: 802.862.2475
E-mail: john.goff@noaa.gov

$$