Controlled releases from dam expected to push Green River to Phase II flood alert level

King County Flood Warning Center continues monitoring high flows

The King County Flood Warning Center, which has been monitoring rain-swollen rivers since midday on Jan. 13, has issued a Phase II flood alert level for the Green River. Only minor flooding could occur as a result of controlled increased flows on the Green River, and only in areas without river levees upstream of Auburn.

Meanwhile, the Snoqualmie and Tolt rivers remain at Phase II flood alert levels, with very minor flooding of low-lying areas noted.

Flows on the Green River are expected to reach or exceed 7,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) late Friday evening, Jan. 14, or early Saturday morning, Jan. 15, as part of planned releases from Howard Hanson Dam, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' flood-control dam in the upper Green River watershed. Releasing water now provides the Corps with additional flood-storage capacity for anticipated heavy rainfall later this weekend.

As of 7 p.m., the sum of the Snoqualmie River's three forks was 15,850 CFS, while the Tolt River was at 3,370 CFS. No significant impacts have been reported as a result of these minor flood levels.

King County staff will continue to 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.

An 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.

Related information

Flooding services and information

Green River Watershed

What to do before, during and after a flood