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King County
Executive Office
Ron Sims, King County Executive 701 Fifth Ave. Suite 3210 Seattle, WA 98104 Phone: 206-296-4040 Fax: 206-296-0194 TTY Relay: 711
Image: King County Exeutive Ron Sims, News Release

Nov. 7, 2006, 7:15 a.m.

Morning brings some flood relief to Upper Snoqualmie Valley – but major flood impacts remain

While King County reports some flood relief this morning in the upper Snoqualmie Valley, attention now turns to a record breaking flow making its way downstream toward Carnation and Duvall. That peak flow on the Snoqualmie River is causing a variety of problems, including significantly reduced access to areas throughout the Snoqualmie Valley.

River status

After a crest early this morning at Snoqualmie Falls, the Snoqualmie River is now expected to crest downstream at Carnation early to late this afternoon. The National Weather Service predicts a crest at Carnation of over 61 feet, seven feet above flood stage. So, residents throughout the Snoqualmie Valley should continue to monitor weather conditions and flood information, given the dangerous conditions that continue in that part of the county.

Meanwhile, flows continued to fall overnight on the Tolt and White Rivers and on Issaquah Creek after yesterday’s crests. Phase Two Flood Alerts calling for minor lowland flooding also remain posted for both the Cedar and Green rivers. Despite those high flows, no major problems are being reported along those rivers this morning.

County roads

King County reports numerous road closures this morning due to the flooding. Currently, the county’s Road Services Division has posted closures for 34 roads. Particularly hard hit is the Carnation area. Routes north and south out of the Carnation area, including State Route 202 and 203 are currently closed due to the record high flood levels. Access is also severely reduced in many other parts of the Snoqualmie Valley. So residents who need to drive this morning are strongly urged to closely monitor the status of road closures by going to:
http://www.metrokc.gov/kcdot/roads/roadalert/

King County will update road information as it becomes available. If you do travel today in areas impacted by floodwater, King County once again reminds you never to drive around road closure signs of barricades. Driving through standing water is the leading cause of death during floods.

Elections

King County election officials are closely monitoring the flood situation, and will alert voters if regular polling locations will be closed on Tuesday. As of Tuesday morning, only one --- Snoqualmie Elementary School in Snoqualmie -- was confirmed for closure on Tuesday, but there are other polling places that are located close to flood-prone areas or closed roads. Visit the Elections Web site for the most current information.

Schools

The Snoqualmie Valley School District has cancelled school for the day.

Shelters

There are currently evacuation shelters in Snoqualmie, Issaquah and Kent. These shelters have been established in coordination with the American Red Cross of Kitsap-King County. The Snoqualmie shelter is located at the Snoqualmie Police Station at 34825 SE Douglas Street. The Issaquah shelter is located at the Community Center at 301 Rainier Boulevard South in Snoqualmie.

Joint Information Center PIOs can be reached at 206-205-1000.



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  Updated: Nov. 7, 2006