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Dec. 13, 2010 Howard Hanson Dam water releases bring Green River to Phase III Flood AlertFlood water mostly to affect agricultural areas upstream of Auburn; Tolt, Snoqualmie receding, but water taking time to move through systemWater releases from a flood-control dam in the upper Green River watershed have brought increased flows downstream and moderate flooding in the middle reach of the Green above Auburn this morning.Meanwhile, both the Tolt and Snoqualmie River have crested and are now at levels associated with a Phase II Flood Alert, though high water is still moving through the lower segments of the rivers. The King County Flood Warning Center, which has been monitoring river flows since 2 a.m. Sunday, has issued a Phase III flood alert level for the Green River, which is expected to be flowing up to 9,500 cubic feet per second (CFS) at Auburn. The 9,500 cfs flow is a combination of planned releases from Howard Hanson Dam and the natural inflow from streams that empty into the Green River between the dam and the City of Auburn. At this flow, flooding of varied depths occurs in valley upstream of Auburn and lower Mill Creek basin. The Southeast Green Valley Road and West Valley Road may overtop. 
No significant river flooding is expected farther downstream, including in the cities of Auburn, Kent, Renton or Tukwila. The Tolt River crested at 1:15 p.m. Sunday, when flows at the gage in Carnation exceeded 7,000 CFS. The Snoqualmie River crested above Snoqualmie at 5:30 p.m. Sunday and at 6 a.m. at Carnation at roughly four feet above flood stage. Kng County flood patrol crews are observing conditions in several watersheds, and will continue their patrols until conditions improve. 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 website 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. Motorists are strongly advised to heed all road closure and detour signs; driving through flooded streets is the number-one cause of deaths during flood events. 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. # # # 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. Related information Flooding services and information Green River Watershed Snoqualmie-Skykomish Watershed What to do before, during and after a flood
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