Snoqualmie River reaches Phase III flood alert level; King County Flood Warning Center monitoring flows

Steady rainfall early Monday morning brought the Snoqualmie River up to a Phase III flood alert level, with the possibility of flooding and road closures in low-lying areas in the Snoqualmie Valley, according to the King County Flood Warning Center.

Meanwhile, the Tolt River remains at a Phase II flood alert level, with just minor flooding expected in a few low-lying areas.

At 6 a.m. Monday, the sum of the Snoqualmie River’s three forks was 21,940 cubic feet per second (cfs). A Phase III flood alert is issued for the Snoqualmie when the sum flow of the forks reaches 20,000 cfs. At this level, some flooding could be expected along the Snoqualmie River Valley, and some roadways could be overtopped by floodwaters.

Meanwhile, the Tolt River remains at a Phase II flood alert level. As of 5:40 a.m., the Tolt was flowing at 3,540 cfs at the gauge near Carnation. Minor flooding could be experienced along some portions of the Tolt at this flow level. Flows on the Tolt peaked Monday at 3:45 a.m. with a reading of 3,750 cfs.

The Flood Warning Center has been operating since 11:30 a.m. Sunday, and King County staff will continue to monitor the river flooding until conditions improve. Flood Warning Center staff will monitor stream gauges and weather reports and provide updated information on river conditions as necessary.

Real-time river level information is available online by visiting: http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/flood/flood.htm.

King County is advising residents living or traveling in flood-prone areas to continue to monitor weather conditions and be on the look out for road closures. Motorists are reminded never to 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.metrokc.gov, or can visit RPIN, the area's regional Web site at www.govlink.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.