The Black River exceeded its 10-foot flood stage in Watertown at midday Saturday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey Web site. The river is expected to rise to 10.4 feet this morning, a National Weather Service flood warning states.
Officials have blamed flooding on the effects of warm weather on a deep snow pack and steady rain.
Low-lying areas like Mr. LaRock's property could see increased flooding until Tuesday, when rains are predicted to stop.
The Black River was flowing at 24,900 cubic feet per second through the city of Watertown on Saturday afternoon, according to the USGS. That is two and a half times its historical average.
The river's largest recorded discharge came in 1993 at 41,000 cfs. The USGS began keeping track of the river's height and discharge in 1922.
By noon Saturday, Mr. LaRock said the water was only a "minor inconvenience."
"The waters have been up to the point on the top of my mailbox," he said.
That was in 1997, and that flood warranted a call to the insurance company.
"I had to replace my hardwood floors," he said. "But it didn't suck up into the walls or do much more damage."
Mr. LaRock said he will put stakes around his firewood if the water rises higher. Without a proper anchor, the wood will float away.
Mr. LaRock said he's found his fire wood tangled in the porch steps of a neighbor's home. That home, which abuts the river, is now flooded.
A portion of Zecher Road less than 100 yards from Mr. LaRock's home was flooded yesterday. The dead end road remained open, though.
"You'll get some young guys that are brave enough to just blast right through there," Mr. LaRock said.
This isn't the first time flood waters have caused problems.
Mr. LaRock bought the home in the early 1990s and has twice needed to vacate the property because it flooded.
He knew there would be problems each spring. A sign up the road warns motorists of an upcoming flood plain.
"It's still a beautiful area," he said.
At times, Mr. LaRock said he's needed to park his cars on a peak in the road where it is the last to flood.
The waters aren't expected to rise enough in the next few days for him to take drastic measures.
East Martinsburg Road, one of Lewis County's most flood-prone roads, remained closed in the town of Watson. It has been closed sine April 2 because of high waters.
A Jefferson County dispatcher said no roads were closed and no calls had been received by 5:30 p.m. that were flood-related.
