Army Corps of Engineers working 24/7 for reservoir control operation and flood response
Contact: Public Affairs 206-764-3750 or the Information Line for recorded updates at 1-866-596-2635

SEATTLE - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, Reservoir Control Center began 24-hour operation Nov. 6. The District Emergency Operation Center has now been activated and deployed flood teams to three western Washington basins

Flood fight personnel from the Corps are assisting local governments in the Skagit, Snohomish and Nooksack River basins. They have been requested by local officials to provide technical assistance. The Corps is monitoring the situation throughout western Washington.

The Corps took over the regulation of dams on the Skagit and Wynoochee rivers for flood risk reduction today.

At Wynoochee Dam, inflows are 6,300 cubic feet per second (cfs) and outflow is at 1,200 cfs.

In the Skagit River basin, the Corps is regulating Upper Baker and Ross dams. At Ross, inflows are 4,400 cfs, and outlflow is at 400 cfs. Upper Baker inflows are 9,000 cfs, and outflow is at 5,000 cfs.

According to Paul Komoroske, chief of Emergency Management at the Corps' office in downtown Seattle, besides the rising river levels, the incoming storm brings debris with it that can affect levees, block drainages and cause roads and areas to flood.

"The Corps has a seasoned team of emergency responders that assist in floods and natural disasters," Komoroske said.

Public Law 84-99 enables the Corps to assist state and local authorities in flood fight activities and cost share in the repair of flood protection structures. The purpose is to prevent loss of life and minimize property damage associated with severe weather.

Private citizens seeking sandbags should contact their local government offices.

The National Weather Service issues flood watches and warnings and should be consulted for that information.