Snoqualmie River rises to Phase II flood alert level; wet weather continues in King County

The Snoqualmie River has risen to a Phase II flood alert level following several hours of persistent rainfall across the region, according to the King County Flood Warning Center, where staff continue to monitor minor flooding conditions.

As of 9:45 a.m. Wednesday morning, the sum of the Snoqualmie River’s three forks was 12,538 cubic feet per second (CFS), which exceeds the 12,000 CFS threshold for a Phase II flood alert.  At this level, some minor flooding in lowland areas could be expected along the Snoqualmie River, and a handful of roads could be closed by rising water.

The Flood Warning Center opened at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday to monitor rising flows on the Tolt River, which is currently flowing at 3,710 CFS - also a Phase II flood alert level. King County staff will continue to 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