Flood Watch Ended, Landslide Risk Increases for Western Washington

Posted

A flood watch issued earlier this week by the National Weather Service has ended as of Friday morning, but due to recent rain, much of the Puget Sound Region — including Lewis County — is now at risk for landslides, according to a special weather statement released by the agency. 

“Lowland snowmelt last week and recent rainfall has increased soil moisture to high levels across western Washington,” The special weather statement reads. “The ground remains at threshold levels of saturation, and ongoing moderate to heavy rainfall continuing through Friday will put extra pressure on soil instability, leading to an increased threat of landslides.” 

Another half inch to 2 inches of rain were predicted through Friday, with a snow level of about 6,000 feet. 

The flood watch, lifted Thursday afternoon, included much of Western Washington. On Wednesday, East Lewis County was included in a winter weather advisory, which has since been lifted. Lewis County was expected to get several inches of rain and snow levels in the mountains were expected to rise to between 5,000 and 7,000 feet. 

“River flooding is possible as a result,” according to the flood watch.

In Lewis and South Thurston counties, the Newaukum, Skookumchuck and Chehalis rivers rose Thursday but all stayed below flood level, cresting late Thursday or early Friday.

On Friday, the NWS reported that the rainfall had contributed to an increased threat of landslides.