/ Public Works Engineering / Flooding / Warning System
Flood Warning System
The Issaquah Flood Warning System provides residents and businesses with information on impending flooding conditions so that they can take proper defensive actions and prepare themselves. Depending on your location and the extent of the flooding, the system can usually provide 3 to 4 hours lead-time.
The City of Issaquah posts flood phase information (and updates as conditions change) through its:
- Radio Station: 1700 AM
- TV Station: ICTV Channel 21
- Emergency Information Line: 425-837-3028
- Web site: www.ci.issaquah.wa.us
King County also issues flood alerts by phone, text or e-mail for real-time notification about rising river levels. For more information, click here.
Real-time data:
To see real-time data of the upstream gauge in Hobart, which provides advance warning on what flood conditions will be like in Issaquah, click here.
Flood phases:
The flood phase system was developed, based on the flood stage depth at the upstream gauge, to represent different levels of flooding potential and the appropriate flood-fighting response by City crews and residents/businesses.
The four phases are summarized below:
|
PHASE |
EXTENT OF FLOODING |
ACTION BY CITY |
ACTION BY RESIDENTS |
ISSAQUAH CREEK LEVEL |
|
I |
· Insignificant
· Flood Watch Phase |
· Public Works & 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 feet and rising
· Heavy rains expected to continue |
|
II |
· Minor to moderate 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 feet and rising |
|
III |
· Moderate to major 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 feet regardless of trend |
|
IV |
· Extreme flooding similar to January 2009 or greater
· Extensive flooding 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 feet regardless of trend |
More information:
To view the City's 8-page booklet, "Prepare Now: Flooding in Issaquah," click here. For a shorter brochure, click here.
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