When most people think of snow, they rarely think of flooding. However, snowmelt flooding actually happens more than you would think. Flooding from melting snow can happen any time there is a quick temperature change. Most flood damage in the winter and early spring is caused by melting snow from faulty gutters, cracks in foundations, and improper runoff. We look at how to protect your basement from snowmelt flooding.
What Happens When Snow Melts?
As snow melts, it turns into water. As a general rule of thumb, ten inches of snow will melt into one inch of water. The actual amount depends on how heavy the snow is. Unlike rain, melting snow is already on the ground.
A quick thaw can introduce a significant amount of water to the soil around your property. If it can’t flow away from your foundation, it can pool there and may eventually enter your home. With enough water, it can cause flooding. Spring rains can speed up the melting snow while adding additional water.
Why Snowmelt Flooding isn’t Just Limited to Spring
Although spring is the most common time for flooding caused by melting snow, it can happen at any time. Our weather patterns have become increasingly unpredictable, resulting in heavy snow and freezing temperatures one day and warmer temperatures and rain the next. This can result in snowmelt flooding at any time. Check your basement for signs of snowmelt flooding any time there is a significant change in temperature.
What are the Main Problems Snowmelt Causes?
Flooding
Although unlikely, a rapid thaw can result in snow flooding your basement or crawl space. This typically happens after a sudden change in temperature. Snowmelt flooding can damage flooring, walls, furniture, and personal items.
Water Damage
Like flooding, water damage occurs water enters your home slowly. Water damage caused by snow melting typically happens during more gradual thaws but can result in the same amount of damage.
Mold
Any persistent source of water can cause mold. Although mold generally prefers warmer temperatures, it will thrive if the conditions are right. It is most common during slow, gradual thaws but may develop after water damage or a flood.
How to Prevent Snowmelt Flooding
- Shovel snow away from your home, keeping it away from your foundation. Whenever possible, keep snow 5 feet away from your foundation.
- If your home is on a grade or hill, shovel snow so that it doesn’t roll toward your home when it melts. This ensures melting snow flows away from your home instead of towards it.
- Clear snow from your roof to limit the water flowing through your gutters during a thaw.
- Keep drainage areas around your home clear of snow and ice build-up to prevent floods or damage.
- Look for cracks in your basement walls for cracks. This includes caulking around windows too. Make repairs as necessary to prevent water from entering your basement.
- Check your landscaping before the snow arrives to ensure the ground slopes away from your home. Add soil if necessary to help melting snow flow away from your foundation.
- Check your roof for ice and snow build-up that can cause ice dams and roof leaks.
- Inspect your gutters and downspouts. Clear leaves and other debris regularly during the fall, as this can create blockages. Add downspout extensions to channel melting snow away from your home.
- Test your sump pump during the winter to ensure it works when the snow melts. Pour a bucket of water into the sump basin to engage the pump. If it doesn’t turn on, unplug the pump and investigate the issue.
- Never ignore water in your basement. Investigate and repair the source as soon as possible.
What are the Most Common Cities for Flooding From Melting Snow?
Although snowmelt flooding can occur anywhere, these are the major cities where it is most common.
- Syracuse, NY – Known as one of the snowiest cities in the country, Syracuse averages more than 120 inches of snow each year.
- Flagstaff, AZ – It may seem unlikely, but Flagstaff gets more than 100 inches of snow each year. Quick thaws combined with dry, compact soil increases the chances of flooding.
- Buffalo, NY – Although it only averages 95 inches of snow each year, heavy lake effect snow and frequent thaws increase the chances of snowmelt flooding in Buffalo.
- Boulder, CO – With nearly 90 inches of average snow each winter, snowmelt runs down from the mountains and poses a significant risk of flooding.
- Cleveland, OH – Despite only getting 68 inches of snow on average, unpredictable weather patterns result in frequent mid-winter thaws.
- Portland, ME – Sitting along the Atlantic Ocean and with Fore River to the South, snowmelt flooding is common in Portland during late winter and spring.
- Minneapolis, MN – With nearly 55 inches of snow each season and plenty of lakes and streams throughout the area, a quick thaw can result in significant snowmelt flooding.
- Denver, CO – Denver averages over 53 inches of snow, with frequent changes in temperature that lead to rapid thaws.
- Detroit, MI – Although Detroit has much lower annual snowfall amounts, it only takes a small amount of snowmelt to overwhelm storm sewers in many areas of the city.
- Kansas City, MO – Despite only getting 15 inches of snow on average, snowmelt flooding is common along the Kansas and Missouri Rivers.
What to Do If Your Basement Floods From Melting Snow
1. Remove the Water
Remove standing water as fast as possible to limit water damage and improve the chances of saving your basement. If there is more than a foot of water, extract the water with a pump.
If there are only a few inches, use towels, sheets, or a mop to soak up standing water. Wring out soaked materials in a bucket or other container, then pour down a drain after the flooding has subsided.
Work as quickly as possible to limit the damage. If you don’t have a pump you can rent one from your local equipment rental company. After getting most of the water out, use a wet-dry shop-style vacuum to remove water from carpeting, walls, and ceilings.
2. Remove Damage Materials
Now that you’ve removed as much water as possible, it’s time to remove water damaged drywall and other materials. It’s best to remove any material that is already cracked, crumbling, or sagging. However, you can likely dry materials that are only damp. If you need to remove water-damaged materials, make clean cuts 2 inches away from the damage.
You should also dispose of water-damaged paper and cardboard items, as they are hard to save and likely to allow mold to grow. Use thick plastic bags when disposing of water-damaged materials to prevent leaks and mold growth.
3. Dry Out Your Flooded Basement
After removing damaged materials, begin drying your basement as quickly as possible. While consumer fans and dehumidifiers will work, you can dry your home much faster with commercial air movers and dehumidifiers. Monitor the progress and relocate fans regularly for the fastest drying time.
Place fans throughout the area to maximize air movement and keep dehumidifiers running by emptying them frequently. Consumer gear may take a week or more to effectively dry your basement after a snowmelt flood, while professional equipment is likely to take half that time.
4. Sanitize and Deodorize
Once the area is dry, use chemical disinfectants and deodorizers to prevent odors and mold from developing in the future. Unfortunately, bleach is only effective at killing mold if the area remains completely dry. A hospital-grade sanitizer is more effective at preventing mold and bacteria in the long term. Spray the affected area with sanitizers and deodorizers at least once before making repairs.
5. Repair and Restore the Area
Before rebuilding your basement, find and fix the cause of the flood. Look for cracks in your foundation walls or gags in the seam along the floor and walls. Fill cracks with hydraulic cement or caulk to prevent future issues.
If you have widespread water leaks along your foundation walls, you should waterproof your foundation walls or install a sump pump.
Finally, you can restore the area damaged by melting snow. Depending on the extent of the damage, this can range from painting to installing new walls and flooring.
Need help cleaning up snowmelt flooding? Call 1-888-443-3110 now for a free quote and fast flood damage cleanup.
