Snoqualmie River up to Phase III flood alert; as rain continues in portions of King County

Tolt River remains at Phase III flood alert level; County monitoring conditions

The Snoqualmie River, swollen by heavy rainfall, has reached a Phase III flood alert level with flooding expected across much of the Snoqualmie Valley, according to the King County Flood Warning Center, which has been monitoring flood conditions since early Wednesday morning.

As of 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, the sum of the Snoqualmie River’s three forks measured 20,080 cubic feet per second (CFS), which is slightly higher than the 20,000 CFS threshold for a Phase III flood alert for that river. At this level, floodwaters could be expected to occur in varying depths throughout the valley. Road closures could also be expected in the area.

Meanwhile, the Tolt River remains at a Phase III flood alert level. As of 3 p.m., the Tolt River at Carnation was flowing at 4,680 CFS, just above the 4,500 CFS level for a Phase III flood. Road closures are also possible in the Carnation area as a result of the high flows on the Tolt.

King County flood patrol crews are in the Snoqualmie and Tolt river basins this afternoon to check on levees and other flood-prevention structures.

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