Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has signed a bill into law that will allow him to declare a wolf disaster emergency in Idaho.

The governor signed the bill Tuesday, even though Congress already took action this month to strip federal protections from wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains. Otter says he also has concerns about undermining his own statutory authority to declare such disasters, with the new state law.

A flood advisory is in effect across Kootenai, Latah, Benewah, and Shoshone counties until 1:15 a.m. Friday, leaving many residents across North Idaho watching the river banks and waiting.

A one-two punch of steady rain and melting snow has been problematic in Shoshone County, where crews spent Thursday clearing mudslides along Coeur d'Alene River Road.

"It's running really strong and it's really muddy and angry looking," Cassy Henry of Castle Rock River Ranch said.