Forecasts for peak water levels on some western Washington rivers have decreased, but extremely dangerous and record flooding remains likely.
River Crest Forecasts Lower, Danger Remains High
Wednesday night’s forecast for the Skagit River near Mount Vernon predicted water levels cresting above 42 feet on Friday. The current forecast is now just under 40 feet – still 2 feet above the previous record.
A similar trend is occurring on the Snohomish River near Monroe. Wednesday’s forecast put the crest at nearly 30 feet, but the current forecast is near 25 feet. That’s still about 8 feet above the major flood level and close to the all-time record level.
Water level forecasts can fluctuate due to changing variables, particularly observed and forecast precipitation. Shifts in these values directly impact predicted water levels.
Less rain is currently expected, contributing to the lowered forecasts. However, officials caution that even a reduction in the absolute worst-case scenario still leaves room for extreme flooding.
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