CEDAR CITY — As Southern Utah warms, the snow melts, filling streams, reservoirs and canyons with cold, fast-flowing water. Rivers rise as monsoon season approaches, heightening local anxieties — and Cedar City prepares for potential flooding.

Cedar City Government took to Facebook to assuage residents’ concerns, writing that state and local officials have partnered to monitor the weather daily to prepare for any local impacts.

The most recent State of Utah Situation Report from the Utah Division of Emergency Management rated Iron County’s flood risk as minor, but a “significant warmer trend” is expected to increase Southern Utah’s snowmelt through Thursday. Still, cooler temperatures could temporarily reduce snowmelt, starting Friday and lasting through the weekend.

“Major flooding is typically not anticipated” without temperatures higher than 80 degrees Fahrenheit accompanied by rain, the post reads.

“We can all do our part to be prepared and ready, and as long as the weather slowly transitions to spring, like what is anticipated this week, we can expect gradual snowmelt with some designated runoff areas being more active,” the post states.

As of March 22, snowpack at the Midway Valley snow telemetry site was 136 inches with 46 inches of water, Street and Solid Waste Superintendent Jeff Hunter told Cedar City Council.

“This could be a good year but also worrisome,” he said. “So everybody needs to pray for a cool, cool spring where it can come off nice and slow.”

Comparatively, 2005 was considered a “really big year” with high water levels for nearly a month, boasting 143 inches of snow and 69 inches of water, Hunter said.

Hunter reported that Coal Creek appears to be “holding up.” This could be partly because there was less snowpack in 2022, allowing the city and Iron County to complete large amounts of work.

Still, several projects of various sizes are on this year’s docket, such as clearing debris from flow lines and installing new storm drain systems.

To prepare for potential flooding, individuals should clear their properties of excess brush, overgrowth and debris, and create a plan with neighbors to assist one another before, during or after a flood, according to an informational flier shared by the city.

The National Weather Service suggests that people remove deep snow near foundations and ensure drainage paths are clear. Additionally, Southern Utahns should avoid backcountry hazards while outdoors. For instance, “slot canyons may be inundated with runoff” and “some rivers will be running high, swift and cold.”

“Stay back from river banks and keep an eye on children and pets in areas of fast-flowing water,” the service states.

City staff and volunteers have been filling sandbags, Hunter said. While having 2,500 sandbags prepared would be “ideal,” there were 400 ready in March.

“We’re at a point where we need volunteers, big time,” he said. ” I mean, we don’t have the staff to make sandbags.”

Self-serve sandbags are available at Cedar City’s Public Works building at 716 N. Airport Road and at the Iron County Animal Shelter at 3109 N. Iron Springs Road, according to this video that Cedar City posted to Instagram.

Those interested in volunteering to fill sandbags can do so at the Public Works Building Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hunter said the city would provide bags, shovels, sand and other necessary supplies.

To make arrangements outside of regular business hours or to organize a large group of volunteers, call the Public Works Department at 435-586-2912.

Groups of volunteers are also needed to fill sandbags at the Iron County Road Yard at 1302 W. Kittyhawk Drive. To schedule a time, contact George Colson at 435-590-6703. Work will begin April 11 at 5 p.m.

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