Warning Systems

Issaquah's Local System

The City of Issaquah posts flood phase information (typically Phase 2 or higher) on its:

• Radio Station: 1700 AM
• TV Station: ICTV Channel 21
• Emergency Information Line: 425-837-3028
• Website

Using the upstream gauge in Hobart, Issaquah’s Flood Warning System can usually provide three to four hours lead-time (depending on your location and the extent of the flooding).

Hobart Flood Gauge

To see data of the upstream gauge in Hobart, visit the USGS website. This external site, however, is only updated once an hour. Using this data, King County also issues flood alerts by phone, text or e-mail.

For more up-to-date information, tune in to the City’s Flood Warning System.



National Weather Service Forecasts

The National Weather Service also broadcasts flood warnings for Issaquah Creek (along with other rivers in the region) based on its forecasts and/or observations at the downstream gage near Lake Sammamish State Park. For forecast information, visit National Weather Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

When these warnings occur, residents should also monitor the City’s Flood Warning System for current, local conditions.

Issaquah's Flood Phases

Phase	Extent of Flooding	Action by City	Action by Residents	Issaquah Creek Level
I	Insignificant Flood Watch Phase	Public Works and Police Department notified Stand-by monitoring begins	Always be prepared with household flood strategy Monitor the city's Flood Warning System and weather reports	Upstream gauge reads 6.5' and rising Heavy rains expected to continue
II	Localized flooding in flood-prone areas A few street closures due to water on roadway	Public Works Operations Department begins flood fighting activities	Initiate household flood strategy Frequently flooded areas can expect flooding Monitor the city's Flood Warning System and weather reports	Upstream gauge reads 7.5' and rising
III	Considerable flooding on Issaquah Creek, Tibbetts Creek, and the East Fork of Issaquah Creek Flooding possible in many creekside areas	Full flood fighting effort in effect	Evacuate if necessary Monitor the city's Flood Warning System and weather reports Block basement drains	Upstream gauge reads 8.5' regardless of trend
IV	Extensive flooding similar to January 2009 or greater throughout Issaquah and Tibbetts Creek Valleys	Maximum flood fighting effort in effect City prepares for possible disaster	Evacuate if necessary If not, make sure that you are ready to withstand the full extent of the flood with ample supplies	Upstream gauge reads 9.0' regardless of trend

Sand & Bags
View the sandbag page for details on sand and bag deliveries.

How to Prepare 

• View the City's 8-page booklet, Prepare Now: Flooding in Issaquah.
• To learn more about flooding from our engineering department, including floodplain maps, flood insurance or the city’s efforts to reduce flooding, view the Public Works Engineering flooding page.

Localized Flooding
To prevent any localized flooding, residents can help out by keeping the storm drains near their homes clear of debris and leaves.

For larger stormwater issues, call the Public Works Operations Department at 425-837-3470.

Flood Maps and Insurance
Find out if you are located in a floodplain, and how to get flood insurance.