Cedar River rises to Phase III flood alert

Green river remains at Phase III flood alert level, Tolt at Phase II

Increased flows from Chester Morse Reservoir have brought the Cedar River to a Phase III flood alert level this evening according to the King County Flood Warning Center, which has been monitoring river flows ‘round-the-clock since Jan. 16.

Flows at the Landsburg gage were recorded at 3,500 cubic feet per second (CFS) at 9 p.m., right at the Cedar River threshold for a Phase III alert. Moderate flooding can occur at this river level in some areas such as at Lower Dorre Don and Byers roads.

Flood alerts are also in effect on two other King County rivers – the Green River at Phase III and the Tolt at Phase II.

The Green River is also at a provisional Phase III flood alert level, with flows of 8,670 CFS at the Auburn gage as of 9:30 p.m. and expected to rise slightly due to controlled water releases from Howard Hanson Dam. Only minor flooding is expected in the lower Mill Creek basin, and in rural areas of the Green River Valley without levees upstream of Auburn.
As of 9:30 p.m., the Tolt River was flowing at 2,970 CFS, exceeding 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.

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