Threat of additional flooding and landslides as more rain moves in Friday
There’s a brief respite from rain but flooding and landslides continue to impact much of Western Washington, with another storm on its way.
“There won`t be much of a break today, however, as the next frontal system reaches the area late in the day,” according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters said another 1 to 2 inches could fall in the foothills Friday, with a half inch expected in the lowlands Friday night.
Showers should taper Saturday, with the sun making an appearance Sunday.
The incoming system will be colder and windier.
Gusts in Tacoma Friday are forecast at 30 mph.
Mountain areas should pick up 10 to 20 inches of snow by Saturday morning, with the snow level dropping to 3,000 feet.
Avalanche danger across much of the state was considerable to high. Only the Olympics have a moderate avalanche threat.
If you’re traveling over mountain passes this weekend, beware.
Both direction of U.S. 2 at Stevens Pass were closed Friday due to a snow slide. An estimated time of reopening was unknown.
In the last 48 hours, heavy rains soaked the region, with the highest amount falling in the higher terrain of King County.
Greenwater registered 12.20 inches of rain.
In Pierce County, Longmire got 9.3”; Ashford saw 5.5”; Carbonado was at 2.95”; Orting and Bonney Lake both nearly received 2 inches; and Puyallup, Eatonville,
Graham, Elk Plain and Edgewood all had more than 1 inch.
On Thursday, Tacoma received 0.1 inches of rain, though Paradise had 2 to 3 inches.
A flood watch remains in effect through Friday afternoon in Pierce, King, Thurston, Lewis, Snohomish, Mason and Grays Harbor counties.
Officials warn that rivers are still rising, more rain is coming and urban and small stream flooding could happen.
“After this last shot of rain with this event, snow levels will lower limiting storm runoff into the rivers from the next system arriving tonight,” the NWS said.
A flood warning was canceled on the Carbon River near Fairfax.
Flood warnings remain on 13 rivers in Washington, including five in Pierce County.
▪ The Puyallup River near Orting is expected to recede Friday after cresting near 16,600 cubic feet per second. Flood flow is 1,000 and the river was at 13,948 cfs early Friday. The flooding is affecting from Orting downstream through McMillan to Sumner.
▪ The Nisqually River near National has moderate flooding occurring and crested at 14,250 cfs early Friday. Flood flow is 12,891 cfs. That is affecting the upper river in Mount Rainier National Park downstream to Alder Lake.
▪ The Nisqually River at McKenna is experiencing minor flooding after cresting at 11.9 feet, barely above the 11.8-foot flood stage. Water is expected to spill over the banks until Sunday.
▪ The Puyallup River in Puyallup had minor flooding, reaching at 27.1 feet so far. Flood stage is 26.2 feet. The river is forecast to crest at 27.8 feet by 10 a.m. then begin receding. It will impact downstream and west of Meridian Bridge and upstream to Sumner.
▪ The White River at R Street Bridge was flowing at 7,660 cfs Friday morning, with flood stage at 6,500 cfs. Minor flooding has occurred, but officials said moderate flooding is possible. It is expected to reach 8,200 cfs Friday then begin receding, but stay above flood stage into next week.
With all the wetness, there remains an elevated risk of landslides in the area.
Forecasters said most areas received 1 to 3 inches of rain in the last day, with higher elevations closer to 4 to 7 inches.
Another quarter inch is expected Friday.
“This amount of rain will put extra pressure on soil instability, leading to an increased threat of landslides being triggered through the period and immediately after,” according to the Weather Service.
Landslides have shut down SR 410 between Greenwater and Mud Mountain Road, as well as SR 706 by Kernahan Road East in Ashford.
The slide in Ashford means people cannot access the Nisqually entrance to Mount Rainier National Park.
There is no detour.
Another slide was reported at Fairfax Forest Reserve Road by the Carbon River Ranger Station in Carbonado.
The ranger station remains closed.
Officials said there have been three slides on SR 410, the latest of which occurred late Thursday. A bulldozer was being used to clear the road near Crystal Mountain Boulevard.
The closure extended from 284th Ave. SE to Greenwater.
Here are Pierce County roads that are affected:
▪ SR 706 in Ashford is closed until further notice. Debris is still washing down the hillside onto the highway. There is no way to detour around the damaged section.
▪ SR 165 has reopened. It was closed Thursday between Wilkeson and Carbonado.
▪ SR 410 closed in both directions at 284th Ave SE (milepost 26) just east of Greenwater (milepost 49).
▪ SR 162 closed in both directions near South Prairie Creek.
▪ McCutcheon Road East from Rhodes Lake Road East to 96th Street East is closed due to water over the roadway.
Although this is an “unbelievably dark and wet” month so far, University of Washington meteorologist Cliff Mass said, residents can rejoice at the thought of sun this weekend.
A chance of showers is possible Tuesday through Thursday though.
This story was originally published February 7, 2020 at 7:07 AM.
