Runoff release spillover shuts down street in Phoenix suburb

PHOENIX — The release of excess runoff water from a pair of Arizona reservoirs caused some spillage in Mesa on Tuesday morning, shutting down a street.

Part of the runoff from the Verde River ended up spilling onto McKellips Road near Alma School Road and Loop 202, forcing a shutdown of the street in both directions.

McKellips Rd closure in Mesa. I'll have more info at 8 am .@KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/G6rP3f9QOQ

— Kathy Cline (@ClineKathleen) February 14, 2017

E & W McKellips Rd closed betw Alma School & 202, Mesa .@KTAR923 .@AZMorningNews pic.twitter.com/CLgMwxG5mz

— Kathy Cline (@ClineKathleen) February 14, 2017

McKellips Rd EB/WB between Alma School Rd and L-202 (Red Mountain) is closed due to flooding….#phxtraffic

— MCDOT News (@MCDOTNews) February 14, 2017

An SRP spokesman said in a statement the low-level release would put water in the usually dry Salt River for “the rest of the runoff season.”

The Salt River Project began releasing water late last week from Bartlett and Horseshoe lakes, ahead of expected rainfall. Snow melt had pushed Bartlett to 82 percent capacity; Horseshoe was 94 percent full.

Low-level water release @ Horseshoe Dam on Verde River. Prepare to see a flowing Salt River! Photo: Joe Moeschl. https://t.co/IP96PGz0FX pic.twitter.com/LQFVsSzqIO

— Salt River Project (@SRPconnect) February 13, 2017

SRP also released water over Granite Reef Dam into the Salt River for a few days in January.

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