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Date: October 22, 2003
Time: 9:30 AM
From: Skagit County Public Works

WEST SIDE BRIDGE IN MOUNT VERNON TO REOPEN AT 11:00 AM TODAY

EVACUATED RESIDENTS OF BURLINGTON MAY RETURN HOME

The Washington State Department of Transportation is planning to reopen the West Side Bridge in Mount Vernon at 11:00 AM this morning.

Motorists are still advised to avoid the South Fork Bridge over the Skagit River. It has been closed since last night and will remain closed until further notice by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The purpose of the closure is to remove a large debris jam that has accumulated against the bridge. Fir Island continues to be an evacuated area at this time.

The Burlington Fire Department has given the OK for residents evacuated from the Burlington City limits to return to their homes.

The American Red Cross reports that over 400 people stayed overnight at the ten Red Cross shelters established in Skagit County. Displaced residents are asked to not return to areas evacuated until officially given the OK to do so.

The Skagit River at Mount Vernon is continuing to recede from the 36.2 feet crest registered at 11:15 PM last night. The reading at 9:00 this morning was 34.2 feet.
The Skagit crested at 42.2 feet at Concrete at 6:45 AM yesterday. At 9:00 AM today the Skagit River at Concrete was still above flood stage at 31.67 feet. Flood stage at both Concrete and Mount Vernon is 28 feet.

The latest prediction from the National Weather Service is that the Skagit River will drop below flood stage briefly by Wednesday afternoon then rise a few feet again before dropping below flood stage Saturday.

County and other officials and work crews continue to monitor the situation closely and take appropriate actions as necessary. Additional news releases will be issued as new information warrants. For updated Skagit River information call 419-3425, visit www.skagitcounty.net on the web or listen to local radio stations.