Tolt River rises to Phase III flood alert level; King County monitoring rain-swollen rivers

Snoqualmie River at Phase II flood alert level, but could rise with more heavy rain

Pushed higher by heavy rainfall in the Cascade Range, the Tolt River has risen to a Phase III flood alert level, according to the King County Flood Warning Center, which has been monitoring flood conditions since early Wednesday morning.

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.

Meanwhile, the sum of the three forks of the Snoqualmie River was flowing at a Phase II flood alert level of 18,180 CFS at 12:30 p.m., with rising water levels. Minor flooding in lowland areas is expected along the Snoqualmie River, and a handful of roads could be closed by floodwaters.

King County flood patrol crews are being dispatched to the Snoqualmie and Tolt river basins this afternoon to more closely monitor conditions and report back to the Flood Warning Center, which has been open since 8:30 a.m.

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