Snowmelt Flooding May Lead to Water Damage

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

When snow melts, there is a risk of flooding that may impact homes and businesses alike.

Already, this winter season has dumped snow on the Pittsburgh area and it is likely that, before spring, there will be more snowfall. When snow melts, there is a risk of flooding that may impact homes and businesses alike. Because floods and their resulting water damage can be costly, leaving serious consequences to your property, including mold growth and structural issues, taking steps to prevent snowmelt flooding from impacting your home or business. This blog aims to discuss the causes and effects of flooding from snowmelt while sharing preventative measures that you can take against water damage from snowmelt flooding this winter. 

What is a Snowmelt Flood? 

When water from melted snow makes up the majority of flood water, a flood, according to Weather.gov, is a snowmelt flood. Their Flooding Factsheet illuminates the difference between the speed of rain water’s absorption into the ground versus that of snow, communicating that water from snow takes longer to absorb into the ground because it first requires melting. When water cannot be absorbed into the ground, moisture pools above the soil, becoming runoff that eventually leads to flooding. Usually, highly saturated soil due to frozen ground or a heavy, previous rain or snow storm increases the likelihood of runoff forming and flooding. Every year in the United States, according to Weather.gov, snowmelt flooding occurs. Additionally, eight of the most dangerous floods that took place during the 20th century were snowmelt floods, which supports the destructive nature of such floods. 

How Should You Prepare?

There are several steps that you can take to protect your home or business from significant water damage due to snowmelt flooding. First, move snow away at least 4-6 ft away from the area surrounding your property and remove snow from the roof if it is safe to do so. Indoors, your home or business’ valuable items can be better protected by storing them in water-tight containers or moving them to areas of higher elevation. Be sure to keep valuable items above the basement or the ground floor of your property. Above all, be sure to develop an emergency plan that can be implemented in the event that your property experiences water damage. Calling SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall can be the first step in initiating an emergency plan. 

Experiencing Snowmelt Flooding? Call SERVPRO

Flooding emergencies are never easy for homeowners and business owners. One easy and stress-relieving step, however, is calling SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall’s SERVPRO of Metro Pittsburgh East office at (412) 672-5400. Our SERVPRO Team Wall crew members are expert water damage restoration professionals with years of experience, who offer 24-Hour Emergency Service to thoroughly restore your property. Check out our website for more information about our Water Damage Restoration Services specific to both residential and commercial properties in addition to our reliable Water Damage Restoration Process that will take care of your property and make sure that your belongings receive the care that they deserve.