Snoqualmie River Recedes, Most Snoqualmie Roads Reopened

UPDATE | JANUARY 6TH, 10:30AM

The City of Snoqualmie said as of late Tuesday morning, January 6th, all flood waters had cleared and most roads had reopened. Details on other King County road closures can be found at  King County Road Alerts.


UPDATE | JANUARY 5th, 6:30PM

Just as all the Snoqualmie Valley School District buses were moved to higher ground to avoid possible flood waters overnight, the City of Snoqualmie announced as of 5:45PM, the Snoqualmie River had crested and water levels were receding.

City officials said roads barricaded in downtown Snoqualmie wound begin to reopen, with crews removing road closure signs when it is safe to drive. Officials urge residents to not drive around them.

The Snoqualmie River was still running very high and moving swiftly Monday night – and residents were urged to use precaution and stay away from riverbanks.

buses at cves
All of the Snoqualmie Valley School District’s buses were moved from the District Office in historic Snoqualmie to higher ground at Cascade View ES, Monday evening, 1/5/15, to avoid flood waters. Pic: David Gage

The Snoqualmie River remained at a phase 4 flood level and even though the rain seemed to be easing, the river continued to rise Monday afternoon, January, 2015, due to warm temperatures, mountain rain and snowpack melt.

The City of Snoqualmie said Monday afternoon that predictions for water levels were changing and urged residents along the Snoqualmie River and surrounding neighborhoods to make necessary preparations for potential flooding.

An hour later they issued an evacuation notice for the SE Park Street neighborhood near Snoqualmie Elementary School, with police going door to door notifying residents.

Due to Park Street flooding issues, the Snoqualmie Valley School District shuttled students and staff from Snoqualmie Elementary to the Mount Si Freshman Campus around 1PM.

Parents were notified via email and emergency phone system.  Buses transported SES students home at their normal dismissal hour and parents were also allowed to pick up students early.

The Evacuation Notice for the SE Park St Neighborhood includes addresses along the following streets:

  • Mountain Ave SE (all addresses)
  • SE Walnut St (all addresses)
  • SE Spruce St (all addresses)
  • Spruce Pl SE (all addresses)
  • Meadowbrook Way SE from SE Park St to Meadowbrook Bridge
  • SE Park Street from Meadowbrook Way SE to Centennial Fields

Sand and sandbags were also made available at the King Street lot in downtown Snoqualmie (corner of SE King St and Railroad Ave SE).

Water also cut off roads leading into Ernie’s Grove on 428th SE and according to one reader, forced a water evacuation near North Fork Road.

SR 202 was closed between Fish Hatchery Road and the SR 202/203 roundabout in Fall City. Residents were detoured via I-90 and Preston.

Road Closures

Numerous Snoqualmie Valley roads remain closed due to water over the roadways. More details can be found at King County Road Alerts.

The King County Sheriff’s Office advised at 5PM, January 5th, that SR 203 north to Carnation is closed in Fall City and SR 202 east to Snoqualmie is also closed in Fall City due to water over the roadway. Drivers should find alternate routes and avoid these areas.

Current Snoqualmie City Road and Bridge Closures include:

  • SE Park St from Centennial Fields toward North Bend
  • Portion of SE Northern Street
  • Mill Pond Road at Meadowbrook Bridge
  • Meadowbrook Bridge
Meadowbrook Way near Millpond Road in downtown Snoqualmie. 1/5/15. Photo: Michele Johnson.
Meadowbrook Way near Millpond Road in downtown Snoqualmie. 1/5/15. Photo: Michele Johnson.

SAFETY ALERT FOR DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS

  • Do not drive through flooded roadways. This is very dangerous due to unexpected undertows. Do not move barricades on closed roads or bridges.
  • Absolutely do not walk into or across flooded roadways.
  • Keep pets inside homes or on leashes.
Sandy Cove Park in downtown Snoqualmie, 1/5/15.
Sandy Cove Park in downtown Snoqualmie, 1/5/15.
King 5's helicopter captured local elk wading through flood waters. Pic: Screenshot King 5 video
King 5’s helicopter captured local elk wading through flood waters. Pic: Screenshot King 5 video

 

 

 

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Comments

  • I just wanted to say thank you to every person who has worked on our flooding issue in the Snoqualmie Valley. I sooooooo appreciate you! Thank you -Brenda Huckle

  • Living Snoqualmie