Rain pushes Tolt River to Phase III flood alert level, Snoqualmie River rises to Phase II

Swollen by heavy rain, the Tolt River has climbed to a Phase III flood alert level, with moderate flooding expected along that river. The Snoqualmie River has risen to a Phase II flood alert level and minor flooding could result, as the King County Flood Warning Center continues to closely monitor rivers for high flows Sunday morning.

As of 4:30 a.m., the Tolt River at Carnation was flowing at 4,770 cubic feet per second (CFS), which is slightly above the 4,500 cfs threshold for a Phase III flood alert. At this level, moderate flooding could be expected along the Tolt, including potentially deep and swift flowing water in the San Souci neighborhood.

Also as of 4:30 a.m., the sum of the Snoqualmie’s three forks totaled 12,896 (CFS), just above the Phase II threshold of 12,000 CFS for that river. At these flows, minor flooding could occur in low spots along the river.

Flood Warning Center staff will monitor stream gages and weather reports, and will provide updated information on river conditions as necessary. Real-time river level information is available online at http://www.kingcounty.gov/flood.

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 website 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.

A new, automated flood alert system is now available and provides real-time warning of potential high water on more than a half-dozen rivers. King County residents and business owners can sign up to receive King County Flood Alerts by visiting www.kingcounty.gov/flood, or by calling 206-263-3400 during regular business hours to register by phone. Messages of potential high flows on any of King County’s major river systems can be sent by phone, text or e-mail.

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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. Visit http://www.kingcountyfloodcontrol.org for more information.

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