Hydrologic Outlook

ESFSEW A moderately strong atmospheric river will impact Western Washington later today through Saturday night, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall to the region. Rainfall forecasts for the Olympics and Northern and Central Washington Cascades will be increasing, generally between 3 to 5 inches with locally higher amounts possible through Saturday night. This increase in potential rainfall could lead to higher river levels that are not yet reflected in the forecast - which will be updated later today. The Skokomish River is the only river currently forecast to reach flood stage on Saturday. Other rivers are forecast to reach action stage Saturday, including the Bogachiel River on the Olympic Peninsula and the Skagit, Snohomish, Skykomish, and Snoqualmie Rivers flowing out of the Cascades. Some uncertainty still remains over rainfall amounts and how the rivers will respond. River conditions will continue to be monitored closely through the weekend. Where heavy rain occurs, the relatively high rain rates could produce flash flooding/debris flows on the more sensitive burn scars. It could also cause ponding or nuisance flooding in urban areas and small streams where drainage is poor or drains are clogged by leaves. Please monitor the latest river forecasts from the National Weather Service for additional information.