Cedar River rises to Phase II flood alert

Snoqualmie, Green rivers remain at Phase III flood alert levels

Rainfall across King County has brought the Cedar River up to a Phase II flood level and a few locations in the basin may experience minor flooding, according to the King County Flood Warning Center.

The Cedar River was flowing at 2,890 cubic feet per second (CFS) at 7 p.m. The threshold for a Phase II flood alert on the Cedar is 2,800 CFS.

Meanwhile, the sum of the Snoqualmie River’s three forks had receded slightly to 27,290 CFS at 7:15 p.m., which still correlates to a Phase III flood alert. The river peaked this afternoon at 34,740 CFS. The crest isn’t expected to reach Carnation until tomorrow morning. At this flow level, moderate flooding of varied depths is expected to occur across the Snoqualmie Valley, and numerous roads could overtop and close.

The Green River also remains at a Phase III flood alert due to controlled water releases from Howard Hanson Dam. The river was flowing at 9,300 CFS at 6:45 p.m. Planned releases from the dam may bring up the river level to 10,000 CFS by midnight tonight. Likely flooding impacts at this level would occur in the rural areas without levees upstream of Auburn.

While the Tolt River had risen to a Phase III flood alert level near Carnation earlier today, it has since receded to levels associated with a Phase II flood alert. The Tolt was flowing at 3,580 CFS at 7:15 p.m., dropping below the threshold of 4,500 CFS for a Phase III flood alert level. Typically, minor flooding would be observed along the Tolt River at these flows.

King County opened its Flood Warning Center early Sunday morning to monitor rising flows on several King County rivers. The Flood Warning Center will remain open through the night to monitor conditions and flood patrol teams will be out inspecting flood control facilities.

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

Cedar River - Lake Washington Watershed

Snoqualmie-Skykomish Watershed

How to prepare for a flood

King County Water and Land Resources Division