Controlled releases from dam expected to push Green River to Phase II flood alert level

King County Flood Warning Center continues monitoring high flows

The King County Flood Warning Center, which has been monitoring rain-swollen rivers since early Wednesday morning, has issued a Phase II flood alert level for the Green River. Only minor flooding is expected as a result of controlled increased flows on the Green River, and only in the primarily rural areas without river levees upstream of Auburn.

Flows on the Green River are expected to reach or exceed 7,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) at the Auburn gage sometime early Thursday morning, March 31, as a result of the planned releases from Howard Hanson Dam, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' flood-control dam in the upper Green River watershed. Releasing water now provides the Corps with more flood-storage capacity for additional rainfall.

Meanwhile, the Snoqualmie and Tolt rivers remain at Phase III flood alert levels, with some flooding of low-lying areas noted. Flood patrol crews have been in the field monitoring conditions since mid-afternoon Wednesday.

King County staff will continue to monitor stream gages and weather reports, and will provide updated information on river conditions as necessary. See our real-time river level information.

Updated information on flooding will also be posted on the King County website, or via RPIN, the area's regional Website. 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.As of 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Tolt River reached 4,510 cubic feet per second (CFS), which is slightly higher than the 4,500 CFS threshold for a Phase III flood alert for that river. At this level, road closures could be expected along the river in and around Carnation, including the Tolt River Road, while homes in the San Souci neighborhood could see driveways overtop.

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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