November 15, 2021
Skagit County River Level Update, 4:45 a.m.
The Northwest River Forecast Center has revised its most recent forecast down slightly from its overnight predictions.
As of 4:00 am this morning the Skagit River is forecasted to crest in Concrete at 38.51 feet at 10:00 am on Monday, November 15, and in Mount Vernon at 37.46 feet at 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 16. The Samish River is forecasted to crest at 13.33 feet at 4:00 am on Monday, November 15. This would be comparable to the 2009 Skagit County flood event.
The winds overnight have fallen many trees throughout the County particularly along South Skagit Hwy and State Route 20. The Puget Sound Energy Power Outage Map can be viewed for updates in your area. Falling trees will continue to be a concern as the ground is so saturated. Motorists should be aware.
Flooding is expected to continue in Skagit County throughout the days of November 15 through November 16. There are multiple areas of localized flooding along the Skagit, Sauk, & Samish Rivers along with their tributaries. The Town of Hamilton was voluntarily evacuated overnight and the Red Cross has set up a shelter at the Hamilton Baptist Church. A flood warning has been issued by the National Weather Service.
The Samish River watershed has experienced continuing rain overnight and is seeing some flooding, particularly in the Samish River Park community. Other areas of concern are Cascade River Road, Fish Hatchery Area near Marblemount, Thunderbird Lane, Cape Horn, the Crofoot area in Concrete. Historical data shows that these locations have evacuated during similar river levels.
Skagit County Unified Command is recommending that residents in flood-prone areas should prepare to take action over the next 12-24 hours to protect their homes, families, and livestock from floodwaters. Should the river levels continue to rise as expected, other areas may be encouraged to evacuate.
If you have questions or are not sure where to go, please contact Skagit County Department of Emergency Management at 360-416-1892.
For updated river forecasts please visit www.skagitcounty.net/flood or call the River Level Hotline at 360-416-1404.
Skagitonians throughout the County should also expect water over low-lying roadways and roadways near creeks, streams, and rivers throughout the County. Practice turn around- don’t drown and do not drive through water over the roadway. It can be deeper and faster moving than anticipated and presents a risk to drivers.
For more emergency information, sign up for the emergency information listserv, CodeRed Alerts or follow Skagit County on Twitter @SkagitGov. The River Level Hotline (360- 416-1404) and www.skagitcounty.net/flood are updated frequently during events with current conditions and can be resources for information as well.
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