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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, 11:30 p.m.

King County Flood update: White River flows increase, creating moderate flooding conditions

Planned water releases from Mud Mountain Dam will increase flows this morning and create moderate flooding conditions on the White River by noon.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has ramped up flows from 7,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) from behind Mud Mountain Dam this morning. Outflows are expected to release from 10,000 to 10,500 cfs by noon. The threshold for a Phase III flood alert is 8,000 cfs. A Phase III flood alert on the White River means Red Creek area residents may experience dangerous high velocities, debris flow, and residential flooding.

Elsewhere, flood levels are dropping on the Snoqualmie and Tolt rivers as peak flows work their way through the lower Snoqualmie Valley and high water continues to cause problems in and around flood-prone areas. In addition to the White River, flood alerts remain for the Cedar, Green, Snoqualmie and Tolt rivers, and at Issaquah Creek.

The Cedar and Green rivers continue to experience high flows as planned water releases from dams are keeping river 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.

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.

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. Help interpreting flood information is available at 206-296-4535 or 1-800-768-7932.

Transportation

 The King County Road Services Division reports this morning that some of the more than 44 roads closed at the height of this week's flood have reopened. So far today, crews have been able to reopen seven roads. It is likely crews will be able to reopen Northeast Woodinville-Duvall Road early this afternoon, with additional roads to follow.

There is also improvement being seen in flooded areas of South King County. Due to receding flows on the Green River, crews have been able to reopen Green River Road Southeast, a key arterial near Auburn.

Despite these improvements, the King County Roads Division says it will take some time before many roads in low lying areas can be reopened, given the magnitude of flooding that has occurred. These roads will also need to be inspected for possible damage prior to reopening. Residents should continue to monitor road closure updates if they plan to travel.

The most current road closure information can be found on the web at http://www.metrokc.gov/kcdot/roads/roadalert/.

R esidents 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.

Evacuation/Sheltering

In an ongoing response to flooding in King County, two emergency shelters remain open in Kent and Issaquah to accommodate residents affected by the widespread flooding.

Three shelters previously opened in Renton, Bellevue and Duvall are now closed.

Open Shelters:

  • Kent shelter is operating at St. James Episcopal Church at 24447 94 th Ave NE. Phone: (253) 856-4440
  • Issaquah shelter is operating at the Issaquah Community Center at 301 Rainier Boulevard South. Phone: (425) 837-3300

School closures

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

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

King 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 (agr.wa.gov, or 360-902-1800).

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

 



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  Updated: Nov. 8, 2006