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Summary:
Western Washington is bracing for another wave of heavy rain and strong winds this week, raising concerns about power outages. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to return the Howard A. Hinson Dam on the Green River to normal water flow levels after temporarily reducing it due to the Desimone Levee breach in Tukwila. This increase, despite already stressed river conditions, is necessary to create reservoir space before the incoming storm. Meanwhile, officials are worried about multiple weak spots in the levee system throughout King County. Another levee breach on the White River forced evacuations in Pacific. The overall heavy rainfall in the Pacific Northwest has raised concerns of more rising river levels.
News Article:
Western Washington Braces for More Rain, Rising River Levels
TUKWILA, Wash. – Western Washington is preparing for another onslaught of heavy rain and strong winds this week, raising concerns about potential power outages and further strain on already-swollen river systems. Temperatures will be in the high 40s to low 50s.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is set to gradually increase the water flow from the Howard A. Hinson Dam on the Green River back to normal levels. This move comes after the flow was temporarily reduced following a levee breach in Tukwila on Monday. While the reduction helped alleviate pressure at the time, officials say returning to regular outflow is crucial to create much-needed space in the reservoir ahead of the impending storm.
“We understand rivers are stressed with continued high flows and conditions on the ground may be changing,” said Travis Ball, Seattle District chief of hydraulic and coastal engineering. “We’ll continue to evaluate outflows…as well as provide downstream flood risk reduction as safely as possible.”
The increased flow is expected to be around 10%. Engineers inspected the temporary patch on the breached Desimone Levee on Tuesday and reported that it was holding.
However, the overall levee system remains a major concern. King County officials have identified multiple weak spots throughout the system. “(There are) more than a dozen, I would suspect, across the entire system, some more severe than others,” said John Taylor, the director of King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks.
Adding to the anxiety, another levee breach occurred early Tuesday morning on the White River, flooding the town of Pacific and forcing hundreds to evacuate their homes.
The persistent heavy rainfall across the Pacific Northwest has officials worried that river levels will continue to rise, potentially leading to further flooding and levee failures. Residents are urged to stay informed and be prepared for potential evacuation orders.
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