November is Flood Awareness Month in North Bend and right on cue, a cold front impacted the Puget Sound region with steady, heavy rain pushing the Snoqualmie River to flood phase 2.
Although lowland flooding can occur during phase 2, particularly in low-lying areas, currently there are no North Bend road closures. Public Works crews will continue to monitor river levels and road conditions, as they do with all heavy rain events.
Residents living in areas that have experienced past flooding are encouraged to closely monitor conditions in case proactive measures - like temporarily moving vehicles to higher ground - are needed.
The Snoqualmie River is not predicted to surpass phase 2 flood level today, but the heavy rain is a good reminder that we have entered flood season in the Snoqualmie Valley.
There are many resources available to help residents navigate potential flood events and possible road closures. King County has a helpful page with extensive information here: How to Prepare for a Flood.
Other Flood and Weather Information Resources for flood events include:
Each year the City of North Bend prepares for potential flooding in the following ways:
- Stocks up on sandbags and sand at the Public Works Shop and communicates to the public prior to forecasted flooding that they are available free of charge
- Provides street sweeping to remove leaves in gutters
- Inspects key culverts for sediment or damage
- Vactors out sediment from the bottom of catch basins
- Jets out culverts that contain sediment
- Ensures emergency back-up power generators are operational at critical facilities, including the Wastewater Treatment Plant and water booster stations
- Mails out a flier providing recommendations to homeowners to inspect for clogged downspouts, gutters, etc.
- Ensures contractors have Wet Weather Plans for active infrastructure / land disturbance construction projects
- Inspects active construction sites for TESC (Temporary Erosion and Sedimentation Control) compliance