King County Flood Warning Center opens to monitor rising Tolt River flows

The King County Flood Warning Center opened at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 30, to monitor rising flows on the Tolt River from heavy rainfall in the area.

As of 8:30 a.m. the Tolt was flowing at 2,860 cubic feet per second (cfs). The threshold for a Phase II flood alert level on the Tolt is 2,500 cfs and is typically associated with minor flooding. Homes in the San Souci area may be inaccessible and experience high water depths and velocities. Tolt River Road and some driveways may overtop.

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.

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 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