Heavy Rain — Pierce, Washington

2006-11-04 to 2006-11-07 · near Paradise Inn, Pierce, Washington

Event narrative

Mt Rainier National Park received about 18 inches of rain in two days. The rain and resulting landslides washed out roads and trails, severed sewer, water and power lines and damaged campgrounds. In all, the damage was the worst in the 107 years of the park's existence and closed the park. The park was not expected to reopen until at least the spring 2007 and more likely summer 2007 after many initial repairs had been completed.

Wider weather episode

A strong, warm and very wet Pacific weather system brought copious amounts of rainfall to Washington from November 2 through 7, with subsequent major flooding that extended through November 11. This storm fueled in part from sub-tropical moisture associated with former western Pacific typhoon Cimaron, produced rain amounts of between 10 to 38 inches in the Cascades and Olympics and 4 to 10 inches in western Washington lowlands during this period.

Floods occurred at 34 forecast points on 25 rivers. There were 22 locations with major flooding or greater. There were 20 record floods.

Widespread and excessive urban and small stream flooding also occurred.

11 counties were declared disaster areas. A tally had 104 homes destroyed, 206 homes with major damage, and 572 received minor damage.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (46.8000, -121.7500)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 3113. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.