Debris Flow — Pend Oreille, Washington

2018-01-18 · near Metaline, Pend Oreille, Washington

Event narrative

A debris flow was reported covering one lane of Highway 31 south of Metaline Falls.

Wider weather episode

A moist cold front passed through eastern Washington bringing mountain snow and valley rain to the region during the early morning hours of January 18th. A spotter near Metaline Falls reported 0.46 inches of moderate intensity rain during this event. Shortly after the rain ended a mudslide was reported from the area. Over the next few days mild temperatures melted low elevation snow pack and lead to saturated ground conditions triggering isolated mudslides and debris flows in the region.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (48.8305, -117.3944)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 730409. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.