Flood warnings issued, US-2 closes as atmospheric river hits Chelan County

CHELAN COUNTY — A flood warning is in effect across North Central Washington as an atmospheric river brings heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt across the northwest. 

The National Weather Service warns of excess run-off resulting in flooded rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations, as well as an increased risk of mud and rock slides on burn scars. The warning is in effect from Wednesday through early Saturday morning, and includes the cities of Plain, Entiat, Manson, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Chelan and Wenatchee.

Washington State Department of Transportation closed US-2 in both directions Wednesday afternoon — from milepost 35 near Index to milepost 85 at Coles Corner — due to rocks, trees, and mud over the roadway in multiple locations. North Central Communications Manager Lauren Loebsack told Ward Media there was a significant slide near a burn area at milepost 72, but there were multiple incidents that factored into the closure. Stevens Pass employees were evacuated from the mountain mid-day Wednesday. WSDOT did not provide an estimated time of reopening.

Major flooding is forecasted for the Wenatchee River at Peshastin, which the National Weather Service says is likely to impact the entire river valley, from Leavenworth to Wenatchee.

The Wenatchee River gauge was at 9.2 feet Wednesday morning, and expected to crest at 15.5 feet, or approximately 32,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), by Thursday afternoon. The National Weather Service anticipates it will fall below flood stage early Friday afternoon.

The river’s bankfull stage — the level at which a stream, river or lake is at the top of its banks — is 12 feet, and the flood stage is 13 feet. The river is considered in a moderate flood stage at 14 feet, and a major flood stage at 15 feet.

The forecast lands just above the last historic flood level, which was 15.03 feet in November 2006. The river’s highest level ever was recorded at 17.89 feet, or 41,300 cfs, in November 1995, surpassing the previous record of 17.58 feet in November 1990.

Amid flood warnings, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management warned that burn scar areas from recent wildfires and the county’s steep hillsides and canyons were areas of special concern.

Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue (LWFR) also warned locals to stay away from soft shore banks, avoid driving through moving water, and stay informed. LWFR said the district, which encompasses two lakes and five rivers, was experiencing low laying roads being impacted as well as water moving trees and debris.

Chelan County Public Works pre-positioned equipment along areas of concern and will be on stand by for quick response to reported problems. However, the department warned that flooded roadways may not be indicated with safety warning signs, urging residents to be vigilant about where they are driving and what debris or obstacles are in the roadway.

“Flash floods and mudslides can strike with little or no warning. Local rains may be so intense

that small creeks and streams are unable to handle the large amounts of water. Storm drains and culverts may turn into raging bodies of water. The force of 6 inches of swiftly moving water can knock people off their feet. A foot of moving water can sweep away a vehicle,” said Emergency Management.

Emergency Management share a number of safety rules for flash floods:

• Keep alert for signs of rain, both where you are and upstream. Monitor local weather reports.
• Be especially cautious at night. It’s harder to recognize the danger then.
• Stay away from open channels, ditches and culverts.
• Watch for rising water levels and do not try to drive through areas with running water.
• Be careful of bridges and dips in the road.
• Abandon your vehicle if water begins to rise over the road and head for higher ground immediately.
• Keep away from downed power lines and any other electrical wires.
• If you access your home via a bridge, do not wait until it is covered in water to leave.
• Prepare now in case you must leave in a hurry.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media