Tolt River up to Phase III flood alert level as heavy rain continues in King County

King County Flood Warning monitoring rising rivers

Significant rainfall across King County has brought the Tolt River up to a Phase III flood level with moderate flooding possible within the basin, according to the King County Flood Warning Center.

King County opened its Flood Warning Center early Sunday morning to monitor rising flows on several King County rivers.

As of 10:30 a.m., the Tolt River was flowing at 4,510 cubic feet per second (CFS), which exceeds the threshold of 4,500 CFS for a Phase III flood alert level. Typically, moderate flooding would be observed along the Tolt River at these flows.

Meanwhile, the sum of the Snoqualmie River’s three forks was at 31,430 CFS, which correlates to a Phase III flood alert. At this flow level, flooding of varied depths is expected to occur across the Snoqualmie Valley, and numerous roads could overtop and close.

Also, controlled water releases from Howard Hanson Dam are expected to bring the Green River to a Phase III flood alert level sometime midday Sunday. At that level, the only likely flooding impacts would occur in the rural areas without levees upstream of Auburn.

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.

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.

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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.

Related information

Flooding services and information

Snoqualmie-Skykomish Watershed

How to prepare for a flood

King County Water and Land Resources Division