Pineapple Express delivering heavy rain; Snoqualmie River at Phase III flood alert level

King County Flood Warning Center continues to monitor rising rivers

The Pineapple Express that’s lashing King County with heavy rain has brought the Snoqualmie River up to a Phase III flood level with moderate flooding possible throughout the Snoqualmie Valley, according to the King County Flood Warning Center.

Meanwhile, controlled water releases from Howard Hanson Dam are expected to bring the Green River to a Phase III flood alert level sometime between 9 a.m. and 12 noon on Sunday. At that level, the only likely flooding impacts would occur in the rural areas without levees upstream of Auburn.

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

As of 3:30 a.m., the sum of the Snoqualmie River’s three forks was at 20,100 cubic feet per second (CFS), just past the Phase III flood alert threshold of 20,000 cfs. At this flow level, flooding of varied depths is expected to occur across the Snoqualmie Valley, and numerous roads could overtop and close.

Flows on the Tolt River remain within Phase II parameters. As of 3:15 a.m., the Tolt River was flowing at 3,770 CFS. Typically, only minor flooding would be expected at this flow.
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