Low river levels can create hazardous conditions King County discourages illegal bridge jumping

When school is out many families head for King County's scenic rivers and lakes. But thanks to our extra mild winter and low snow pack, river flows are expected to be lower than usual this year.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey's stream gauging stations in King County, some watersheds are already measuring record low flows. For those recreating on the rivers it means more exposed rocks, trees and other potential hazards.

"It may not be enough to inhibit activities but we are asking folks to be extra cautious," said Kevin Brown, director of King County Parks and Recreation. "There was a tragic accident recently at a swimming hole on private property near North Bend. A boy was jumping off a rope swing into a river and hit his head on exposed rocks. It can be very dangerous. Fortunately, we haven't had any such injuries in our county parks this year but we want to keep everyone safe."

Using the county bridges as jumping off points is another very dangerous scenario. Railings on several bridges along the Snoqualmie River Trail are routinely torn down and vandalized.

"We put up rails and metal netting along the bridges to protect people," said Nick Halverson, property agent for King County Parks. "But every year, people pull down the railings and cut through the netting so they can jump into the river. It's illegal and just not a good idea. This year with the water so low it's especially dangerous."

If you see vandalism of the bridges you can call the county's Park Watch Patrols, 206-296-4248.

USGS observations for on select rivers:

CEDAR RIVER BELOW BEAR CREEK NEAR CEDAR FALLS: Usually this time of year, the Cedar River below Bear Creek near Cedar Falls averages a flow of about 170 cubic feet per second (cfs). Current flow of 57 cfs is only 33.5 percent of average. The USGS has been collecting flow data at this station for
46 years.

SNOQUALMIE RIVER NEAR CARNATION: Based on 75 years of record, average flow for June 30 for the Snoqualmie River near Carnation is 3,544 cfs. Today's actual flow of 2,510 cfs is 29.1 percent below average.

NORTH FORK SNOQUALMIE RIVER NEAR SNOQUALMIE FALLS: Based on 63 years of record, average flow for June 30 for the North Fork Snoqualmie River near Snoqualmie Falls is 460 cfs. Current flow of 197 cfs is 57.1 percent below average.

King County manages 25,389 acres of parks, pools, open space, natural land and trails. This includes 68 baseball fields, 61 soccer fields, four pools, 88 picnic areas, 34 playgrounds, 27 tennis courts, 13 boat launch sites, more than 175 miles of trails, six fishing piers, four community gardens, a climbing rock and the Group Health Veledrome, the region's best off leash dog park and the world class Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center.