Debris Flow — West Slopes Central Cascades and Passes, Washington

2009-01-07 · West Slopes Central Cascades and Passes, Washington

Event narrative

All roads out of Morton, Hwy 12, SR 7 and SR 508 were all closed due to mudslides. The Roadside Inn Tavern, between Glenoma and Randle, had about 4 feet of mud and debris inside. Several homes in Morton were hit by mudslides. Several roads and 2 bridges were damaged.

Wider weather episode

Rainfall of 8-20 inches in the mountains and 1 to 9 inches in the lowlands occurred from Jan 6th through 8th. Flooding was widespread over much of Western Washington. Record flooding occurred on the Snoqualmie, Tolt, and North Fork Stillaguamish Rivers. Near record flooding occurred on the Snohomish, Newaukum, and Skookumchuck Rivers. Major flooding occurred on 18 rivers and 21 forecast points. Surveys found an estimated 497 residences that were destroyed or suffered major damage, and another 2,340 residences that needed repairs. Over 44,000 people were evacuated as a result of rising or high water as well as landslides.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 148609. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.