More rain brings Tolt River to Phase II flood alert level; King County monitoring flows

Green River also rising to Phase III flood alert level with dam releases

Additional rainfall has brought the Tolt River to a Phase II flood alert level according to the King County Flood Warning Center, which has been monitoring river flows ‘round-the-clock since Jan. 16.

As of 1:30 p.m., the Tolt River was flowing at 3,130 cubic feet per second (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.

The Green River is currently at a Phase II flood alert level, with flows of 8,530 CFS at the Auburn gage as of 1:30 p.m. Friday. However, flows on the Green are expected to rise later Friday to a Phase III flood alert level as water releases from Howard Hanson Dam in the upper Green River watershed will push the river higher.

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. The increased flows also bring the potential for overtopping along Southeast Green Valley Road and West Valley Road.

Also at a Phase II flood alert level is the Cedar River, where flows at the Landsburg gage were recorded at 3,370 CFS at 1 p.m.

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