Debris Flow — Tacoma Area, Washington

2009-01-07 to 2009-01-08 · Tacoma Area, Washington

Event narrative

Several landslides blocked several miles of Marine View Drive. One home had to be evacuated as the retaining wall on the property was damaged. Some other homes lost power, when a mudslide knocked down 2 power poles. There were several mudslides at Point Defiance Park.

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 149587. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.