Snoqualmie, Tolt rivers at Phase III flood alert level; Moderate flooding anticipated as rainfall continues

Issaquah Creek rises into Phase II flood alert status, with minor flooding expected

The Snoqualmie River, swollen by heavy rain and melting snow, has joined the Tolt River at Phase III flood alert level with moderate flooding expected, according to the King County Flood Warning Center, which opened earlier Monday to monitor flows.

Meanwhile, Issaquah Creek reached the Phase II flood alert level shortly after noon on Monday, signaling the potential for minor flooding along the stream.

King County has dispatched flood control crews to monitor conditions from the field as rain continues to pound the region.

As of 1 p.m., the sum flow of the Snoqualmie’s three forks was 20,530 cubic feet per second (cfs); a Phase III flood alert is triggered on the Snoqualmie when flows reach 20,000 cfs. At this flow, flooding of varied depths will occur across the entire Snoqualmie Valley, with several road closures in place.

Flows on the Tolt River also continue to rise. As of 1 p.m., the Tolt near the City of Carnation was flowing at 6,210 cfs, which is a Phase III flood alert level. At this flow, moderate flooding with increasing depths and higher velocities is expected in some neighborhoods. Road closures are also expected along the Tolt.

Motorists are advised to never drive through standing water or around barricades; this is how most lives are lost during flooding.
Residents in affected areas can get updated information on flooding on the King County Web site at www.kingcounty.gov/flood, or via RPIN, the area's regional Web site at http://www.rpin.org. A recorded flood-information hotline is also updated each hour for citizens wanting information in flood areas. The number is 206-296-8200 or 1-800-945-9263.

Citizens who need help interpreting flood information should call 206-296-4535 or 1-800-768-7932. Problems on county maintained roads can be reported by calling 206-296-8100 or 1-800-KC-ROADS.