Flood Warning Center opens as river levels rise

Heavy rainfall brings Tolt, Snoqualmie rivers into Phase II flood alert level

The King County Flood Warning Center opened shortly after midnight on Sunday morning, Jan. 16, when the Tolt and Snoqualmie rivers jumped up into a Phase II flood alert level.

As of 12:30 a.m., the Tolt River was flowing at 2,640 cubic feet per second (CFS), which is slightly higher than the Phase II flood alert threshold of 2,500 CFS for that river. Typically, only minor flooding would be expected at this flow, with some homes becoming inaccessible in the San Souci neighborhood, and potential water over the Tolt River Road and nearby driveways.

Meanwhile, the sum of the Snoqualmie River’s three forks was at 12,610 CFS at 12:30 a.m., which exceeds the Phase II flood alert level for that river. Again, only minor lowland flooding would be expected in low-lying areas along the Snoqualmie River, with potential overtopping along Neal Road, Southeast Reinig Road and others.

A Phase II flood alert level is the level of the county's four-phase warning system at which the Flood Warning Center activates to monitor conditions. The Flood Warning Center was open late last week, from midday on Thursday, Jan. 13, until mid-morning on Saturday, Jan. 15, to monitor minor floodwaters on the Snoqualmie and Tolt rivers.

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.

Related information

Flooding services and information

Snoqualmie-Skykomish Watershed

How to prepare for a flood

King County Water and Land Resources Division