Middle Fork Snoqualmie River reopens after emergency work to relocate dangerous trees

A stretch of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River near North Bend has been reopened to recreational use following an emergency project led by King County to relocate several large trees that had fallen across its main channel. However, county officials remind everyone to exercise extreme caution when around open waters, which remain cold and dangerous.

The King County Sheriff’s Office reopened the river to recreational use following a two-week closure because of dangerous conditions.

Earlier this spring, an eroding stream bank along the Middle Fork caused numerous large trees to topple into the river and create a serious safety threat to river users.

On June 4, a heavy-lift helicopter fitted with a special grappling mechanism was brought in to pick up the massive trees and remove them from the main channel of the river. The trees were relocated along the eroding stream bank in an effort to help slow the erosion.

“Despite the river’s reopening to recreational use, it’s important to note that the Middle Fork Snoqualmie and other rivers across King County are very cold, and the flows are quite swift,” said Theresa Jennings, director of the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks.

Lakes and Puget Sound all remain extremely cold as well. Public Health – Seattle & King County urges everyone to use extreme caution around open water. For more information on water safety and drowning prevention, visit Public Health - Seattle & King County Web pages at www.kingcounty.gov/health.

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The King County Flood Control District is a special purpose government created to provide funding and policy oversight for flood protection projects and programs in King County.  The Flood Control District’s Board is composed of the members of the King County Council. The Water and Land Resources Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks develops and implements the approved flood protection projects and programs. Information is available at http://www.kingcountyfloodcontrol.org/.

Related information

Snoqualmie-Skykomish Watershed

King County Flood Control District

King County Water and Land Resources