The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Cowlitz River at both Packwood and Randle. The warning is effective immediately through early Wednesday morning.
The Cowlitz River at Randle was recorded at 11.81 feet at noon Tuesday, having risen more than 4 feet in 5 hours. The river is expected to rise more than 10 feet in 12 hours total, cresting at 21.4 feet by midnight.
Flood stage is 18 feet, according to the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service. Moderate flooding occurs at 20 feet, with major flooding taking place when the river reaches 22 feet.
Minor flooding is forecast at the Cowlitz River in Packwood, with the river there expected to crest at 10.72 feet just after 6 p.m. this evening.
Kirby Cook, science and operations officer with the National Weather Service in Seattle, said early Tuesday morning that the bulk of the rain that prompted a flood watch in several counties in Western Washington has fallen over the south central Cascades, leading to the Cowlitz River’s expected rapid rise.
“It looks like the heaviest precipitation we’ve been expecting fell right over that area,” Cook said. “It does look like our only spot of concern is going to be right there (at Randle).”
According to the National Weather Service, rain beginning Monday night will combine with relatively high snow levels resulting in a flood threat. Rainfall totals during 48 hours were expected to be 0.5 to 1.25 inches in the lowlands, 1-2 inches along the coast and 2-6 inches in the Cascades.
The Lewis County Department of Emergency Management and Randle Fire Department are both monitoring the storm, Sheriff Steve Mansfield said in a news release Tuesday afternoon. If the river reaches 21.5 feet, flooding will likely affect Highway 131, Skinner Road, Peters Road and fields in the area.
U.S. Highway 12 could also be affected, particularly in the downtown Randle area, the release said.
Cook said residents of the Randle area should continue to monitor the forecast as the day progresses and take heed of any warnings issued.
“We’re constantly updating the forecast right into the heart of an event,” Cook said. “Stay informed, and if you don’t have to go out this evening in that area, I wouldn’t.”
