River levees across Washington state are at risk of “major damage” this week amid record-breaking river water levels as a strong atmospheric river pummels the Pacific Northwest with extreme rainfall.
A strong atmospheric river slammed into the Pacific Northwest on Monday, with prolonged rainfall continuing to cause significant flooding concerns across the state, as well as into Oregon, on Wednesday. Several levees in Washington state face the threat of severe damage or erosion this week as numerous rivers hit major flood stages, and roads could be destroyed. A levee is an embankment or wall built along a river to prevent flooding and keep water within the banks.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Water Center Director Ed Clark told Newsweek that rivers could remain flooded for days. In an email to reporters on Wednesday, AccuWeather said that “nearly every small stream and short-run river in western Washington and Oregon will reach at least minor to moderate flood stage.”
As of Wednesday, around noon Eastern time, 18 river points were projected to reach major flood levels in Washington. According to NOAA, a major flood level means “extensive inundation of structures and roads, significant evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations.”
The forecast is up from 14 river points on Tuesday.
Flood Map as Rivers Hit Record Water Levels in Washington
Of the rivers currently in major flood stage, several have either already broken water level records or are on track to do so later this week as more rain pours into the region.
A map created by Newsweek reveals which rivers have already broken water level records or are on track to do so by the end of the week.
Snohomish River at Snohomish
The National Water Prediction Service (NWPS) warned of “major levee damage” at this river point, with record river levels expected by Friday at noon. The river is expected to reach a crest of 33.68 feet, breaking the previous record of 33.5 feet set in 1990.
“The Snohomish River will cause severe near record flooding,” the update said. “Flood waters will likely overtop levees…with major levee damage possible. Flood waters will inundate much of the river valley…including SR2 west of Monroe…SR9 and the Lowell-Snohomish River Rd. Flooding will occur all along the river including headwaters…tributaries…and other streams within and near the Snohomish River Basin. A stage of 33 feet on the Snohomish River corresponds to a Phase 4 in the Snohomish County flood program.”
Snohomish River near Monroe
The Snohomish River is also set to flood at its Monroe river gauge, with record water levels of 25.88 feet expected by Thursday evening, barely edging out the previous record of 25.3 feet set in 1990.
“Levees could suffer overtopping and major damage,” NWPS said in the flood impacts forecast.
Grays River near Rosburg
The Grays River near Rosburg already broke its record crest earlier this week when it crested at 33.36 feet early Tuesday morning. The previous record was 33.15 feet in 2007. Numerous road closures are likely when the river floods at this level, including Covered Bridge Road, Scatterlund Road, Altoona Piller Rock Road, Loop Road, and Barr Road.
“Some homes and buildings in low areas near the river are threatened with flooding above this level,” the NWPS said.
Yakima River at Easton
On Tuesday morning, the Yakima River at Easton hit record-breaking levels when it rose to 57.01 feet, breaking the previous record of 55.28 feet set in 1990. The river remains in minor flood stage on Wednesday, with “flooding of yards and low lying areas in the Elk Meadows Subdivision” possible.
Skagit River near Mt Vernon
The NWPS warned that “the Skagit River will cause severe near record flooding from Sedro Woolley downstream through Mount Vernon to the mouth.” Roads will be inundated and possibly damaged by “deep and swift flood waters,” and “levees may be damaged.”
The river is currently rising and is set to hit record-breaking flood levels of 41.54 feet by Friday morning. The current record is 37.37, set in 1990.
Skagit River near Concrete
The Skagit River has also flooded near Concrete, with a record-smashing level of 47.26 feet anticipated by Thursday morning. The crest forecast is set to break the previous record of 42.2 feet set in 2003.
“The Skagit River will cause severe near record flooding from Rockport downstream through Sedro Woolley. Deep and swift flood waters will inundate and damage roads…farms and business and residential areas…especially Cape Horn…Hamilton…and Thunderbird. Cockreham Island…the Nookachamps and the Sterling areas will be inundated,” the NWPS said. “Levees east of Sedro Woolley may be damaged.”
Puyallup River near Orting
The Puyallup River is currently in major flood stage near Orting, with an expected crest of 12.5 feet by Wednesday afternoon. The flood record is 12.4 feet, set in 2006.
The river will cause major flooding from Orting downstream through McMillan to Sumner, NWPS said. Roads will be inundated, as will residential areas and farms. The floodwaters will cause erosion, which “will likely damage levees,” the impact forecast said.
Flood Warnings Issued
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued numerous flood warnings across Washington state as the storm progresses, warning motorists not to drive through flooded roadways, as most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Numerous other weather alerts remain in place as well, including gale warnings, wind advisories, coastal flood advisories, and others.
“A prolonged atmospheric river will continue to bring gusty winds, heavy rainfall which may lead to urban and river flooding with possible landslides, and heavy inter-mountain snow over the Pacific Northwest into the northern Rockies through Thursday,” the NWS said in a Wednesday forecast.
