Debris Flow — East Puget Sound Lowlands, Washington

2009-01-07 to 2009-01-08 · East Puget Sound Lowlands, Washington

Event narrative

Several landslides blocked roadways in Maple Valley. SR 410 east of Enumclaw was blocked by 4 mudslides. Near Buckley, a water main (transmission pipe) was damaged by a landslide.

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 149586. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.