Here we are again. Exactly one year after historic floods ravaged Vermont, parts of the state are again dealing with devastating flooding following heavy rains. We turn back to a 2023 episode about how understanding why these floods are so destructive is not as simple as measuring rainfall.

Last year, reporter Lexi Krupp took on what turned out to be a very timely question from Gus Goodwin of East Montpelier. He wanted to know:

“What does an old stream look like? Does Vermont have any? And can we manage for them?”

We’re revisiting that episode as Vermont assesses the damage from yet another round of flooding. You can find the web version of this episode here.

For the most up-to-date flood coverage, you can visit vermontpublic.org.

This episode was reported by Lexi Krupp and produced by Josh Crane with help from Mae Nagusky. This re-run was produced by Sabine Poux. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State’s executive producer. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.

Special thanks to Sophie Stephens, Mark Davis, Mikaela Lefrak, Bill Keeton, Mary and Greg Russ, Ellen Wohl, Will Elridge, Skip Lisle and Elizabeth Trail.

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Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.