H&N Staff Writer

June 2, 2010

   There is no threat of flooding east of the Cascades, but the storm is unusual for this time of year. It could provide as much precipitation as typically falls in the area during the month of June, according to National Weather Service meteorologists.

   “It’s very abnormally strong for this time of year,” said meteorologist Kelly Sugden. “It’s something we’d see in the winter.”     

   The storm system is expected to hit nearly all of Klamath, Lake, Siskiyou and Modoc counties today and Thursday. The bulk of the moisture will fall on the coast and coastal mountains.  

   Snow levels

   Sugden said snow levels should be fairly high, in excess of 8,000 feet above sea level.

   The atypical system stretches across the Pacific to Asia and is being fueled with tropical moisture, Sugden said.  

   Impact on rivers

   The Sprague River near Beatty could rise noticeably from the rains, Sugden said, but is expected to remain below flood stage. All other rivers in the area also are expected to remain within their channels.

   Average June precipitation for Klamath Falls from 1948 to 2000 was six-tenths of an inch, but measurements from more recent years were closer to half an inch for the month, Sugden said.