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Rappahannock River put on a good show Sunday. Date published: 2/26/2003 By LARRY EVANS DOWNTOWN Fredericksburg narrowly escaped a flood Sunday. The Rappahan- nock River crested at 16 feet, two feet below flood stage. People congregated to watch the power of a river that six months ago was so dry there was hardly any flow at all. Dead trees as long as deep-sea fishing boats bobbed along in the high, fast-moving river. Large chunks of ice scoured from the wooded, muddy banks also sailed swiftly down a river that was the color of a cup of coffee with cream. The river, meanwhile, literally roared through the rock-strewn corridor along Riverside Drive and Fall Hill Avenue. The swooshing sound made the river sound like something alive. After 2:12 p.m., the river began slowly subsiding. There was no Flood of February 2003. Sunday's close call did serve as a reminder that the river is an unpredictable force, however. That aspect of the river's duplicitous character must be kept in mind. Last summer, the white-water portion of the Rappahannock almost dried up. Rainfall had been below normal for several years, so little replenishment occurred. A primary source of drinking water for the region was reduced to a series of pools and puddles baking in the summer sun, so residents wondered how long it would be before their homes would have no water. The region did not run dry, although that scenario is not beyond the realm of possibility. The significant precipitation that has fallen since September has not washed that concern away. People realize the vagaries of the weather could result in an even more serious drought--especially as the region's population continues to increase. Will there be enough water to handle the growth? Residents want elected officials to answer a key question: Will there be enough water to handle the growth? That question merits more intense scrutiny than it has received until now. Floods, meanwhile, are natural. They have happened from time to time, and they will happen again.
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