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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. 8, 2006, 7:30 a.m.

King County Flood update: Dangerous conditions persist even as river levels drop

Flood levels are now dropping on most King County rivers, but peak flows are still working their way through the lower Snoqualmie Valley and high water continues to cause problems in and around flood-prone areas.

Flood alerts remain for the Cedar, Green, Snoqualmie and Tolt rivers, and at Issaquah Creek, although flood levels have receded from Phase IV flood alert levels. Dangerous conditions persist. For example, while the Snoqualmie is dropping from Phase IV alert levels upstream, high water is still moving downstream through the system. As of 6:15 a.m., the Snoqualmie River at Carnation was flowing at more than 60 feet, or about six feet above flood level.

Two rivers that continue to experience high flows are the Cedar and Green rivers, where planned water releases from dams are keeping stream flows elevated.

Two flood patrol teams are out this morning to monitor flows and assess impacts to flood control structures on the Green and Cedar rivers.

  • As of 7 a.m., the Cedar River at Landsburg was flowing at 3,960 cubic feet per second (cfs), with moderate lowland flooding expected near the river. The threshold for a Phase IV flood alert is 4,200 cfs. Potential higher flows could occur on the Cedar River because of dam operations in anticipation of additional rainfall later this week.
  • At 7 a.m., the Green River near Auburn was flowing at 9,540 cfs; the threshold for a Phase IV flood alert is 12,000 cfs. At its current level, moderate lowland flooding is expected within the Green River Valley above Auburn.

Elsewhere, floodwaters are receding on the Snoqualmie River in areas upstream of the town of Carnation, plus the Tolt, South Fork Skykomish and Raging rivers, and on Issaquah Creek.

Real-time river level information is available online by visiting: http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/flood/flood.htm. Residents in affected areas can get updated information on flooding on the King County Web site, or can visit RPIN, the area's regional Web site, 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.

School closures

  • Public Schools: The Snoqualmie Valley and River View School District (Carnation).
  • Private Schools: St. Joseph of Issaquah and Tall Cedars Academy (Duvall).

Transportation

  • More than 40 roads in King County remain closed due to standing water on the roadway. The most current road closure information can be found on the web at http://www.metrokc.gov/kcdot/roads/roadalert/.
  • King County Metro Transit is no longer reporting delays in bus service.

Residents living or traveling in flood-prone areas should also continue to monitor weather conditions. Motorists are reminded never to drive through standing water or around barricades; this is how most lives are lost during flooding.

Motorists who spot problems on roads in unincorporated areas are encouraged to report them by calling 206-296-8100 or 1-800-KC-ROADS.

Health information

In areas that received heavy flooding, receding water levels may create potential health risks for evacuated residents and others impacted by flood waters as they return home and begin cleaning up.

Recovery

K ing County Office of Emergency Management will collect preliminary damage assessments for primary residences and businesses beginning today, 11/08/06, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and through the coming weekend. King County residents can report flood damage by calling 800-523-5044.

This information is being collected in preparation to assist Washington State in requesting federal assistance because of this disaster. Should a federal declaration be announced for this flood event, additional information will be provided on how property owners are to file claims with FEMA.

Residents reporting damages should be prepared to provide the following information:

  • the name and address of affected property
  • a description of damage
  • a personal estimate of uninsured losses, and
  • estimates of the fair market value of damaged homes or businesses.

Do not report damage to detached garages and storage buildings, secondary homes or recreational homes. Orchards and crops should be reported to the local farm service representative and subsequently to the Washington state office of the federal Farm Service Agency (509-323-3000) and the Washington State Department of Agriculture (360-902-1800).

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



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  Updated: Nov. 8, 2006