Albany County Sheriff’s Letter on Laramie Flooding

Ladies and Gentlemen, May 15, 2011

It is the intention of the Albany County Sheriff's Office to do as much as possible to insure the safety of you, your family and your property.

We ask that you remain vigilant in viewing as many media outlets available to keep up to date as to possible flooding in your area. Your personal safety is paramount to us. Over the last 50 days our agency in conjunction with the Albany County Road and Bridge, local and rural fire departments, Department of Public Health, Red Cross, Emergency Management, U.S. Forest Service, Interfaith Good Samaritan, Wyoming Game and Fish, and Wyoming Homeland Security have been meeting on a regular basis to prepare our response to the possible needs of the citizens of Albany County.

Due to the abnormal snow pack in the Snowy Range Mountains hovering in the area of 200% above normal, we are asking that you take personal action to protect your properties to help minimize possible loss or damage.

We are of the opinion that areas of the Little Laramie, and Big Laramie Valley river drainages will indeed be affected and to Please make sure you have discussed Plans to escape the danger of potential flooding. The Wyoming Game and Fish and deputies from within this office have numerous water craft that are available to be deployed to assist in removing you, your families, or neighbors to safety or if your roadways become blocked by water.

If in fact you decide to leave the area ahead of time, please contact one of the agencies available to let us know where you can be reached.

Please be assured that all of the above agencies are constantly monitoring water flows of the Big and Little Laramie River drainages and will quickly take steps to notify as many Albany County residents as possible of pending dangers to your safety and property.

Attached to this letter is a list of phone numbers and web sites to assist you in monitoring, in addition to calling, if you have questions or concerns.

There is a strong possibility that numerous County and Forest Service roads may be temporarily washed out during this event. Bridges and State Highways may also be threatened. We would ask that all citizens proceed carefully on all roadways and remain alert for any warning signs that may or may not be in the area at the time. Please do NOT attempt to cross flooding roadways where your personal safety is questionable. We will come to you and get you across if it is needed.

Albany County Road and Bridge personnel in addition to the Wyoming Department of Transportation will also be monitoring road conditions on a constant basis and if needed will place signs to block roads from access.

The Albany County Sheriff's Office will focus on your safety first, and will do everything possible to provide security for your homes and property if you are forced to evacuate due to high waters.

Respectfully,

David O'Malley

Sheriff

Albany County Sheriff's Office

Robert DeBree

Undersheriff

Albany County Sheriff's Office

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