After what feels like six weeks of unrelenting rain (and some snow), the Snoqualmie Valley will have to make it through the next couple days of heavy rain before the almost-forgotten sun makes a return on Sunday.
North Bend received just over 6 inches of rain during the first five days of February – with half of it coming on yesterday – and another 1-3 inches is possible on Thursday, February 6th. Even more rain is predicted to fall in the Cascades Mountains – possibly 5 inches – where snow levels are expected to increase to 5,000 feet.
All the rain is once again taking a toll on the Snoqualmie River, with yet another Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service. This one expires late Friday night. The NWS is also warning of the increased risk of landslides due to high soil saturation levels around the Valley.
The Snoqualmie River near Snoqualmie is expected to crest late Thursday/early Friday between 31,000 -35,000 cfs and in Carnation Friday afternoon at around 45,000 cfs. [The river also reached similar levels on February 1st.]
Early Thursday morning, the river was at 18,000 cfs (phase 2 flood level) in Snoqualmie. In Carnation, it was around 25,000 cfs (phase 3 flood level).
Multiple roads in the lower Snoqualmie Valley – between Fall City and Duvall – are closed due to water over the roadway. There were also landslides reported at SR 202 at Tolt Hill Road and at 145th and West Snoqualmie Valley Road early Wednesday morning.
You can find up to date road closures at King County Roads Services.
We’re anticipating some of the usual low-lying roads (Mill Pond, Reinig, North Bend Park and Ride, spots Boalch Ave as examples) to close around the upper Snoqualmie Valley as the day progresses and the heavy rain continues. King County and Snoqualmie Police are reminding drivers not to ignore road closed signs, as it put both you and first responders at risk.
Below is some Recent Snoqualmie River High Flow Data so you can see where this flood event stacks up with other prominent events.
Top photo credit of Snoqualmie Weather.
Comments
Well there shouldn’t be a shortage of water in the reservoirs!!
I just hope that enough water stays up in the mountains as snow for the river to flow strong and cold all summer long.
And I also hope that everyone stays safe this flood season!