Debris Flow — Kittitas Valley, Washington

2012-07-17 · Kittitas Valley, Washington

Event narrative

A mudslide about 100 feet long and 15 feet deep was reported on Highway 821, which is the Yakima River Canyon Highway between Ellensburg and Selah.

Wider weather episode

A nearly stationary upper level low pressure area parked near Brookings, Oregon brought abundant moisture across eastern Washington. This combined with daytime heating to produce a few severe thunderstorms and locally heavy rainfall. The heavy rainfall caused flash flooding and landslides in several areas. The upper level low moved north away from the area late on July 20.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 385316. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.