Snoqualmie River rises to Phase III flood alert as King County continues watch on rain-filled rivers

6:45 a.m. - Following a night of persistent rain, the Snoqualmie River on Friday morning joined the Tolt River at a Phase III flood alert level.

Following a night of persistent rain, the Snoqualmie River on Friday morning joined the Tolt River at a Phase III flood alert level, according to officials with the King County Flood Warning Center, which has been open since 7 p.m. Thursday to monitor rising river levels.

Flood patrol crews are in the field to more closely monitor the high flows.

As of 6:15 a.m. Friday the sum of the Snoqualmie River’s three forks was 24,720 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is above the 20,000 cfs threshold for a Phase III flood alert on the river system. At these flow levels, minor to moderate flooding could be expected throughout much of the Snoqualmie Valley. Additionally, some roads within the valley could overtop and be impassable.

As of 6:15 a.m. Friday, the Tolt River near Carnation was flowing at 6,840 cfs, which is a high Phase III flood alert level. At this level roadways in the low-lying San Souci neighborhood could be overtopped. The nearby Tolt River Road could also see water over the roadway.

The Flood Warning Center will remain open and continue to monitor river flooding until conditions improve.

Flood Warning Center staff monitor stream gauges and weather reports, and provide updated information on river conditions as necessary. Real-time river level information is available online at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/flood/flood.htm.

Updated information on flooding will also be posted on the King County Web site at www.kingcounty.gov, 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.