About 1/2 a mile from our home there is a waterfall that brings water to Shepard Creek. Because of the substantial snowfall this past winter and the chance of flooding in our neighborhood, I’ve been watching the waterfall and the creek. My 6-year old daughter and I have been taking almost daily hikes to the waterfall. It has been a beautiful experience to walk along a mountain stream and enjoy the views and beauty that are close by. Watching and being aware, is one way we can prepare.
Sunday, May 15, 2011 The Beginning – After two very warm days, the snowmelt has been substantial. During the night a wind storm came in and caused some damage to my neighbor’s home. The waterfall is muddy and the basin is high. Notice the flow of water over the edge in each picture.
Sunday, May 15, 2011 – As you look into the basin below the waterfall, you can see how high the water is in the pipe.
Sunday, May 15, 2011 – My daughter enjoys watching the water at a safe distance. As the weather has changed from a high of 75 degrees to a high of 46 degrees, our wardrobe changes back and forth from capris to jeans, and no coat to coats.
the street, was out of town. Because of the wind storm during the night, some tree branches broke off and leaves clogged the metal grate of the small stream in front of his house. The blockage caused muddy water to enter his garage. He was able to clean it out when he returned later that day. Not exactly what he wanted to come home to. 
Sunday, May 15, 2011 – Because of the amount of water coming down the small neighborhood stream, during the night water came down the side of our home and onto our back patio. Our home at the bottom of the street and a natural drainage place for water. It has been carefully landscaped to send water over the back of the yard and down to a ditch. I was finally able to convince my husband to get some sandbags on our back patio. This picture was taken after the water had receded.
Monday, May 16, 2011 – Temperatures dropped during the night and the high today was 52 degrees. The waterfall looks much cleaner though the basin is still high.
Monday, May 16, 2011 – Our very happy golden retriever, Abby, joins us on our hike.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011 – Another cooler day, with a temperature high of 51 degrees. Many in our area are praying for cooler weather like this and it is helping. Wednesday the high was 46 degrees, and Thursday the high was 56 degrees.
Thursday, May 19, 2011 – The cooler weather has decreased the water flow and you can see the grass on the sides of the basin again. However, it has rained all day and snowed again in the mountains.