Flood-fighting pumps returning to Pacific as King County prepares for storm season

Repairs coming to vandalized flood barriers in preparation for predicted stormy ‘La Nina’ wintertime

King County is working to protect the City of Pacific from the White River during what is expected to be another active flood season.

Two pumps are being installed on the landward side of the flood barriers in order to pump any local stormwater that accumulates, and additional pumps will be available on-call should they be necessary. Pumps were also in place during the 2010-11 flood season.

Additionally, the flood barrier that has been in place through Pacific for the past two flood seasons is being inspected – and in many cases, repaired.

Significant vandalism has occurred to the flood barrier, which is intended to minimize the risk of rising floodwaters damaging property or putting lives in danger.

“The vandalism is so disappointing. It puts the community at risk and requires additional expenditures of limited tax dollars,” said Katy Vanderpool, King County’s White River Basin Coordinator. “We appreciate any support that Pacific residents can provide to us in helping curb these senseless acts.”
 
Pacific residents are being asked for their help in protecting the integrity of this flood-protection system.  Call 911 if you see vandalism occurring to the pumps or flood protection barriers, and report any damages to Vanderpool, at 206-296-8362.

Additionally, King County will be working later this month with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to tie in the southern end of the flood barrier with a temporary sandbag berm on private property at the southern end of the White River Estates development. County staff plan to have the work completed by the end of October.

People are advised to stay out of areas between the White River and the flood barriers during rising flows. Open areas such as Pacific City Park and wetlands are expected to store flood waters and could be subject to rapid rise in water. Don’t get trapped.

This flood prevention work is being performed by King County in coordination with the King County Flood Control District.Weather experts are predicting La Nina conditions this winter – meaning an increased possibility of wetter and colder-than-normal weather. As such, the White River may be seeing flood conditions and it is important that residents and businesses remain diligent about their own flood preparations, including:

• Making an emergency plan and assembling an emergency kit that includes a portable battery-powered radio, flashlight, fresh batteries, cooking equipment, non-perishable food, drinking water, medications and a first aid kit. Visit http://3days3ways.org for more information.
• Buying flood insurance now; it takes 30 days for a policy to take effect, and a standard insurance policy will not cover flood damage. Contact your insurance agent or visit www.floodsmart.gov.
• Monitoring area news media for information if severe weather is predicted. Listen for alerts about evacuation routes, and monitor local road conditions and obey closure signs.
• Minimizing flood damage by storing valuables and electronics higher, and by moving vehicles and equipment to high ground before flood waters rise.
• Dispose of hazardous chemicals such as lawn and gardening herbicides at one of the county’s household hazardous waste sites to help reduce harmful contaminates in flood waters.

Everyone can receive customized flood alert warnings for the White River or any other river within King County by signing up for King County Flood Alerts, an automated flood warning notification system that sends specialized alerts via phone, email or text messaging. Details are available at www.kingcounty.gov/flood. The website is a valuable preparedness resource, with all of the latest information about river levels and road conditions, plus weather reports and other critical links.

When flooding is likely, King County opens its Flood Warning Center to help coordinate emergency response activities. During a flood, the Flood Warning Center is open 24 hours to help residents, businesses, property owners and first responders make critical health and safety decisions. Call 206-296-4535 or 800-768-7932 to speak with a staff person during a flood. Interpreter services are available.

King County’s Flood Warning Information Line has year-round recorded flood phase information for King County rivers. Call 206-296-8200 or 800-945-9263.

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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’s 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. Information is available at http://www.kingcountyfloodcontrol.org/.

Related information

Flood Warning System

Flooding services and information

King County Flood Control District

King County Water and Land Resources