Resources

Here are a few resources that we think might be useful to Rocky Ripple residents:

• White River information (especially useful during high water events)
• Rocky Ripple residents: Be prepared
• Rocky Ripple Police Department/Town Marshall
• National Weather Service includes hydrologic statements and back yard forecasts
• List of elected representatives

White River information

Since the White River is so much a part of what this community is, we have included links to River related information.

To see a graph showing the latest observed river level, visit the White River hydrology information from Nora station.

More information can be found at the National Weather Service Forecast Office Web site.

Historic crests since 1913

The National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service reports historic crests since 1913. Flood stage is considered 11 feet at the Nora station. They are (since 1991):

1. 22.40 ft on 03/26/1913 (58500 cfs)
2. 19.19 ft on 01/01/1991 (28700 cfs)
3. 18.45 ft on 01/14/2005
4. 17.78 ft on 07/11/2003
5. 17.10 ft on 03/25/2007
6. 16.85 ft on 01/07/2005 (12.6 on Rocky Ripple gauge)
7. 16.69 ft on 01/24/1999 (22100 cfs)
8. 15.64 ft on 02/08/2008
9. 16.57 ft on 05/14/2002
10. 15.64 ft on 02/08/2008
11. 15.35 ft on 09/04/2003
12. 14.41 ft on 07/07/2003
13. 13.96 ft on 01/16/2007
14. 13.38 ft on 01/06/2004
15. 12.81 ft on 12/03/2006

Impacts

—information provided by the National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service

The Yellow | Orange | Red warning system

The Rocky Ripple Emergency Management Team has devised a communication system to provide residents with current information regarding the river levels and the potential for flooding. During periods of heavy rains or melting snow, a notice will be placed in each of the two glass displays located at the entrances into Rocky Ripple. The colored squares displayed on the notices will correlate with the river levels below. This action will be prompted by information obtained from the National Weather Services Advance Hydrologic Prediction Service and visual observation. (The information below includes references to the gauge located behind the Rocky Ripple Town Hall.)

Watch	River levels above normal 12 to 16 feet (based on the Nora station gauge) For current levels and predictions, you can access the White River hydrology information from Nora station. (Rocky Ripple gauge reading: 8 to 12 feet )
Warning	River levels above flood stage projected 16 to 19 feet (based on the Nora station gauge) Issued when rising water can impact life and property. Be prepared to take action if rain or snow melt continues. See recommended actions for orange alert. (Rocky Ripple gauge reading: 12 to 15 feet )
Evacuation Recommended	Flooding predicted, 19 feet or higher (based on the Nora station gauge) Issued when rapidly rising water poses an immediate hazard to life and property. Evacuation is recommended. (Rocky Ripple gauge reading: 15 feet or higher))
	The river has breeched the levee. Flooding is in progress. In the event of a major flood and high water breeches the levee, town officials will activate the Town Hall alarm. Residents should leave Rocky Ripple immediately. When driving out of Rocky Ripple, residents are asked to honk their car horn to alert fellow residents that an evacuation is in progress.

Recommended actions for orange alert

• Pre-plan a temporary place to stay. Notify your alternate shelter/housing to be on standby.
• Pre-plan any additional assistance required for evacuation of an elderly or handicapped person. Notify the assistant to be on standby.
• Be sure to have appropriate containment and housing arranged for your pets. (Pets are not allowed to stay at a Red Cross Facility.)
• Visible identification on your pet would be advisable as well as several days' worth of food and any medication. Have these items easily accessible.
• Locate all important documents, personal items, identification, and/or medical supplies. Secure any valuable items from low lying areas.
• To monitor the current river levels, refer to Web site www.crh.noaa.gov/ind/ or contact a member of the RREM/CERT team.

The above information is based on predictions and suggestions. Please use your best judgment when deciding to evacuate , and above all, don't panic.

Information provided by Dave Daugherty & Jill Morris

Emergency Team

Dave (Doc) Daugherty, Team Leader/Chair, Home 257-2639, Cell 694-3967
Jill Morris, Vice chair/secretary 257-9757
Greg Goodrich 257-9716
Angela Herrmann 709-3440
Ely Hinkle 658-2202
Peter Horvath
Scot McManus 258-7273
Danny Orr 254-1080
Paul Redmond 259-7512
Robert Tomey 251-2311

Evacuation in case of flooding

Overview: A gauge is located behind the Town Hall on the river bank. During the January 2005 high-water event, the river crested at about 15 feet on the Rocky Ripple gauge (that's equivalent to 18.45 on the Nora gauge). In the event the river rises to 15 feet on the Rocky Ripple gauge, town officials will call for a voluntary evacuation.

What to do in the event of an evacuation

• Create an emergency plan for your family (see links above for resources on preparing for an emergency).
• Read message boards near the bridges into Rocky Ripple or outside the Town Hall.
• Secure a place to stay outside of Rocky Ripple for you (and your pets, if applicable).
• Collect valuable papers, medicines, clothes and toiletries to take with you.

Note that the Red Cross shelter is located at 441 E. 10th St., Indianapolis. They do not accept pets. Pets can be taken to the Humane Society for temporary accommodations.

If you have questions, contact a member of the Town Council or member of the RREM/CERT team. Dave (Doc) Daugherty, RREM/CERT leader, can be reached at 457-5379 or Jill Morris can be reached at 257-9757.

If you know of a resource that we should add, contact the webmaster.