Showing posts with label surface water. Show all posts
Showing posts with label surface water. Show all posts

LFP Water District thanks police and fire for response to sheared off fire hydrant

Thursday, April 21, 2022

A high volume water flow resulted when the hydrant was sheared from the water main

Story and photos from Lake Forest Park Water District

Lake Forest Park Water District is thankful for the quick response of the City of Lake Forest Park Police Department, Northshore Fire Department and City of Lake Forest Park Public Works.

At 5am on March 31, 2022, a vehicle struck our fire hydrant at NE 178th St. and Ballinger Way, completely shearing it away from the watermain and instantaneously creating a high-volume water flow of approximately 5,000 gallons per minute and putting several homes at risk of flooding.

City of LFP Police and Northshore Fire Department were first on site and Northshore Fire’s E157 crew were able to correctly shut off the valve to the broken hydrant a few minutes before our staff was on site and most probably saved a few residents from more serious water damage.

This home briefly had waterfront property

Our telemetry system showed the impact occurring at 5:12am and the valve being shut at 5:28am. 16 minutes! That is a terrific response time. Our thanks to the E157 crew: Lt. Tim Schwartz and Firefighters Russ Holmes and Kent Park for their appropriate response.

Surveying the damage
Thanks also to the City of Lake Forest Park Police Department for securing the scene and contacting us about what had occurred. 

We also really appreciated the City of Lake Forest Park Public Works Department for sending out their street sweeper first thing in the morning to make a pass on NE 178th St, cleaning up the debris that had washed over the road.

The high flow through our water mains did stir up some iron oxides that had settled in the pipes, discoloring the water for some of our customers. 

We appreciate their patience as we flushed the lines to clear up the water later that morning.



Read more...

Photo: Ripples in Echo Lake

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

 
Photo by Gidget Terpstra

Gentle ripples in Echo Lake create surreal reflections of the cattails. There's a rumor of a creature hidden in the photo, if you can find it.

--Diane Hettrick




Read more...

Restoration project in Thornton Creek featured in Scientific American article

Friday, April 1, 2022

The Knickerbocker Reach, near Northgate
was the site of the restoration.
Photo by Janet Way

By Ken Berkun

Who knew that rivers had livers? Fortunately for north Seattle, Seattle Public Utilities employee Katherine Lynch, knows. The hyporheic zone, sometimes called the river’s liver and sometimes the river’s gut, is mostly unknown but vital to the health of the river.

Steps lead to the bridge at Knickerbocker Reach
Photo by Janet Way
Extending up to dozens of feet deep and tens of feet wide, the hyporheic zone is a bed of life. Crustaceans, worms, insects of all sorts live and breed in this area. 

Destroy the hyporheic zone and you destroy the river, and in our case, the salmon that used to thrive in Thornton Creek.

The most recent issue of Scientific American (April, 2022) has an article about our very own Thornton Creek and the battle to save its hyporheic zone. 

Brave and persistent, Lynch fights bureaucracy, declining budgets and people like you and me who have no idea what a hyporheic zone even is. 

She starts the battle in 2004 but not until 2014 do the bulldozers roll.

The article is available online for free at https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/to-revive-a-river-restore-its-hidden-gut1/

Gies, Erica. “To Revive a River, Restore Its Hidden Gut,” April 2022, Scientific American

Bridge at The Knickerbocker Reach
Photo by Janet Way
This lengthy, but very readable account follows both the battle to rebuild the hyporheic zone, the process of rebuilding it and the sometimes surprising measures of success. 

At Longfellow Creek vandals had released captive Caddisflies, but instead of a ruined experiment, Kate Macneale, an environmental scientist for King County reports:

“Two years later she (Macneale) was sampling fish there and found one of the bugs, a caddisfly, in a fish’s gut. 
"Caddisflies live only for a matter of weeks, so it could not have been an individual from the unintended release: it must have been a “grandkid of that individual,” she says. “I couldn’t believe it.”

As we know from other articles, Thornton Creek still has a way to go, but this very first attempt to rebuild a hyporheic zone is a success in progress:

Warning, spoiler!

Most exciting for Lynch, the hyporheic innovations won the ultimate stamp of approval in the fall of 2018, when Chinook salmon swam in from Puget Sound and spawned in the creek’s restored hyporheic zones.

Thornton Creek flows from Shoreline through NE Seattle to Lake Washington.

Details of the project from the Land Use Information Bulletin



Read more...

City of Shoreline rebate program for rain gardens and native landscaping

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Photo courtesy City of Shoreline
Does your yard need a makeover? 

The City of Shoreline has a rebate program to help Shoreline property owners plant native landscaping beds and rain gardens! 

These gardens are distinctly Pacific Northwest and are far less maintenance than grass lawns. 

We love them because of all the environmental benefits they provide! 

Visit www.shorelinewa.gov/soakitup to learn more and see if your yard qualifies!



Read more...

Lake Forest Park: A Tale of Two Creeks

Sunday, February 27, 2022

Volunteers sampling benthic invertebrates living in McAleer Creek.
Photo by Dan Benson

By Brian Saunders, LFP Stewardship Foundation Board Member

The biological health of Lyon and McAleer Creeks has been sampled in Lake Forest Park (“LFP Streamkeepers team-up with LFP Stewardship Foundation to sample local streams” 10/25/21 SAN) for many years. A tale of how different these two creeks might be has emerged, even though they flow within 200 feet of each other as they make their way through Lake Forest Park to north Lake Washington.

As an instructor at Shoreline and North Seattle College, I am fortunate to have access to good equipment, such as a dissecting microscope, ideal for observing insects and their delicate anatomical structures. I am looking at a member of the Ephemeroptera (E·PHEM·er·op·ter·a), an insect order of mayflies, highly coveted by fly fishing aficionados. Having trained as a marine biologist, studying creatures like soft-bodied anemones, my recent interest in identifying freshwater invertebrates has brought me a sense of nostalgia. Counting the number of thoracic (body) segments, the positioning of abdominal gills, and looking up unfamiliar terms such as “cerci”, recalls long afternoons in a cold laboratory at Shannon Point Marine Station in Anacortes where I received my Masters at Western Washington University in the mid 1990’s.

Why do we care what (and how many) invertebrates live in a stream?

Identifying aquatic insects of streams provides a good deal of information regarding stream health. In the October article, I described how some aquatic “bugs” are very tolerant to pollution and human disturbance while others are not. By collecting, identifying and counting these organisms, scientists have developed quantitative formulas that score each waterway, to determine which are in excellent condition and which are fair to very poor (https://pugetsoundstreambenthos.org/). Examining 20 years’ worth of data on the biological health of Lyon and McAleer Creek, has revealed two creeks on two different health paths. Further examination of the chemical health of the creeks over the past 50 years, suggests that their future ability to support the present-day biota looks dour, unless strong actions to protect and mitigate human disturbances are taken.

Drainage areas for McAleer (green shaded) and Lyon Creeks (blue shaded) in Lake Forest Park.

A Look at the Overall Health Scores

The first thing to know is that both Lyon and McAleer Creeks are in Fair to Poor condition regarding their biological health, with McAleer slightly, but significantly, healthier than Lyon. A closer look at the specific organisms found in each creek showed that McAleer had significantly greater diversity of Stoneflies (a taxonomic group under the Order Plecoptera, known to diversify in healthy streams), and Clinger species (organisms that cling to surfaces between rocks and cobble along the bottom of the stream and are susceptible to being smothered by pollution and sediment). McAleer also had significantly less Tolerant species (species that are better adapted to polluted or disturbed creeks).
 

A Look at the Health Over Time

An environmentally conscious citizen isn’t just content to know the overall health of a neighborhood creek. They would also be interested in determining how it has fared over time and what might it look like in the future. With 20 years’ worth of data, we are fortunate enough to be able to do so, even though the data used to analyze the health of McAleer, and Lyon Creek was not collected by a single group, nor has it been conducted at the same site along the creek, or on the same dates from year to year. All of which can produce variability in analyzing the data and thus, can affect the interpretation of results and skew conclusions. We should all recognize that this preliminary account and should enthusiastically spur more data collection to fine-tune a clearer picture.

McAleer and Lyon Creek appear to be heading in opposite directions with their overall health trends. Over the past 20 years, McAleer Creek has been slowly decreasing its overall score. Specifically, the diversity of Predators in the creek has decreased and there has been an increase in Dominant species (less healthy creeks tend to be dominated by fewer, larger groups).

Overall Scores for Lyon and McAleer Creek over time.

In contrast, Lyon Creek has been increasing significantly in its overall health score over the last 20 years. Specifically, the number of Stoneflies, Caddisflies, and Long-lived species have been slowly increasing. Does this mean the Lyon Creek will soon be in good to excellent health while McAleer is doomed to an unhealthy future? Doubtful on both accounts. We can’t possibly predict future health of these two creeks without determining the factors that are affecting each creek and how or if they can be mitigated.

Of Roads and Recent History

It would take me several more articles to fully cover all the variables that affect McAleer and Lyon Creek and their biological health. For example, the area of developed versus undeveloped land the creek flows through, the total drainage area that each creek covers, proximity to non-point and point source pollutants, and the creek volume and flow rate. After researching a few of these variables, a few things popped out in the data: Roads and Creek History.

Typical storm drain in LFP that often
transports water directly into streams.
Stream ecologists have long known about the negative effects roads have on waterways. Roads are impervious surfaces that collect dirt, oil, and chemicals that would normally be filtered out before entering a stream if they were allowed to drain through a pervious ground. Storm drains that collect this toxic runoff, often drain directly into creeks. One of these chemicals, newly discovered from tire wears, is known to be the leading cause of pre-spawn mortality in Coho salmon (see article here:
 
Sure enough, when I looked at the biological data in respect to testing sites distance from the nearest road, that there was a significant “road” effect in the overall health score. Specifically, the overall score and species richness increased the further away from the road. Data like this should help us understand the significance of buffer zones for development projects near or along water systems.

Roads can affect creek health in other ways, even if the nearness to a creek is not directly obvious. When I analyzed the data from the different sites located in the upper regions of Lyon in comparison to the lower regions, I found the upper regions were significantly less healthy. Starting close to the headwaters of Lyon Creek in Mountlake Terrace just north of Terrace Creek Park, the overall health score of Lyon creek increased traveling downstream. A quick look at a city map showing the location of outfalls, pipes, control structures and ditches, all of which can severely disrupt the biological ecosystem of a creek, might help us understand why the upper regions of Lyon creek is relatively poor health compared to its lower region.

City map of Lake Forest Park identifying structures that may impede or
adversely affect Lyon and McAleer Creek

Climate Change and the Future of Lyon and McAleer Creek

Climate change awareness is growing. Humans have increased the average temperature of the planet by almost 1.5 ⁰C since the dawn of the Industrial Age, some 200 years ago. Surface currents are changing, and deeper waters are becoming more acidic. Extreme weather conditions are intensifying. Animals and plants are migrating into new latitudes and others are being displaced as their habitats change. By examining the chemical parameters of Lyon and McAleer Creek, I have found evidence that they are not immune to these forces of change.

The Department of Ecology began collecting data on Lyon and McAleer Creek in 1976 and although testing hasn’t always been consistent, trends over time are starting to emerge 

Regression analysis of temperature change for Lyon and McAleer Creek over time.

Both Lyon and McAleer Creek are significantly increasing temperature by +0.05 ⁰C per year. The average annual temperature of Lyon and McAleer creek has increased by +1.2 ⁰C since 1979. This could be due to the warming climate but also from increased development that reduce tree /riparian cover, preventing valuable shade to cool the water. This paints a gloomy picture for the present-day biota living in the creeks. The Washington Department of Ecology has assessed that 13 ⁰C is the Upper Threshold (non-summer) of tolerance for the more sensitive species at which point, will no longer survive. Extrapolating from the data trend, Lyon Creek will have an annual average of 13 ⁰C by 2038. Does this mean our creeks are doomed to be lifeless? No, they just won’t be able to support the life we see today or have seen in the past. They certainly, won’t support the iconic salmon species we know.

We Must Still Have Hope, and Take Action

Thinking back to the gray, overcast day in October when neighbors gathered to organize and strategize a day of biological sampling, I remember how invigorated and spirited people were. It was a day of hope. We are still hopeful. We understand that much harm has been done to both Lyon and McAleer Creek, some may be irreversible, but we still have hope. The hope that we cling to is embodied by a single species we collected on that day that, which has not been seen in either creek over the past 20 years. Cinygmula!

A picture of a species in the genus Cinygmula
which are sensitive to aquatic pollution.
A flat-headed species of Mayfly; the same group I introduced to you at the beginning of this article. This genus of Ephemeroptera appears more alien-like than emblematic, but a species of great importance and hope. Cinygmula is not any ordinary stream aquatic macroinvertebrate but is very intolerant to pollutants and human disturbance. The delicate feathery abdominal gills and lengthy three-tails speak to me of resilience and possibility. By enforcing buffer zone restrictions around creeks, mitigating road-runoff directly into creeks, and restoring areas that have been adversely impacted, it may be possible to entice more cinygmula-like species to return. And with their return, so does hope.

Streamkeepers and the LFP Stewardship Foundation is a cooperative volunteer group of local citizens who have a deep passion for the health and protection of McAleer and Lyon Creek.

If you are interested in learning more about this group, go to https://lfpsf.org/ or contact Brian Saunders at bandesaunders@comcast.net




Read more...

2021 Lake Forest Park Water District Water Protector Award

Friday, February 18, 2022

Cheryl Brady, 2021 Water Protector
Photo courtesy LFP WD
Customers of Lake Forest Park Water District enjoy untreated well water because they pump from an aquifer that has consistently produced an adequate supply of quality water. 

"We value this resource and in an effort to encourage the protection of it, each year the district recognizes someone that has made a prominent effort to protect it."

As a strong champion of the Water District, a voice of courageous support and practical action we present this year’s Water Protector Award to Cheryl Brady. 

Cheryl has been inspirational in her dedication to protect our water and raise community awareness of this great resource that we enjoy. 

She was a founding member of the Wellfield Protection and Communication Advisory Committee (Adcom) and has served faithfully since that time, leading with a willingness to take on any task. 

During the pandemic Cheryl was chairperson and instrumental in holding the group together; despite the challenges of zoom meetings she encouraged dialog and brought energy and a sense of fun to the group while progressing on various projects.

Presented to Cheryl Brady “With appreciation of your steadfast leadership and continual source water protection advocacy.”

Congratulations Mrs. Cheryl Brady! Your continuing engagement, leadership and advocacy for protection of our community’s resources are important, exemplary and inspirational. On behalf of the LFPWD community, thank you!

LFPWD Commissioners Dave Hammond, Eli Zehner, Bill Donahue, our General Manager Alan Kerley, our District staff and community thank her for her service.



Read more...

Critical fish habitat would receive increased oversight and protection through legislation passed today by the Senate

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline
SB 5885, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline), builds on his 2021 legislation to require friendly shoreline development by directing the state to identify illegally built docks and seawalls and to enforce laws prohibiting them.

“Illegally built docks and seawalls are unnecessarily harmful to shoreline habitat and marine life,” Salomon said. 
“They damage eelgrass habitat, disrupt salmon migration, and expose salmon to more predators.”

Salomon’s bill would direct the Department of Ecology to survey Puget Sound shorelines and identify unpermitted development. 

A large number of shoreline projects are built illegally and without required permits from local governments, presenting a glaring need to actively monitor shorelines for illegal structures, Salomon said. 

His bill was amended on the Senate floor to include derelict vessels in the surveys.

Salomon noted that bulkheads line more than 700 miles of Puget Sound shoreline and said active monitoring of shoreline conditions is the only way for the state to stay abreast of the many disruptions to habitat.

“Every time someone replaces an older dock or seawall, it’s an opportunity to incorporate techniques that will have the mildest possible impact on marine life,” Salomon said. “We can make our shorelines healthier while still allowing people to enjoy time on and near the water.”

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline, represents the 32nd Legislative District, which includes Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Seattle, Shoreline, Woodway, and unincorporated Snohomish County.



Read more...

Jobs: Join King county's Stream Team this summer

Stream Team at work. Photo courtesy King county.

King County is tracking the health of local watersheds by deploying a small, elite team of young environmental scientists who capture and study bugs in local streams.

By collecting and categorizing aquatic insects, and studying the environment in and around the streams, the “Stream Team” provides valuable long-term data to inform King County about the impacts of development on local water quality and whether restoration efforts are working.

Recruiting for the 2022 Stream Team roster begins soon. Each summer, the paid Environmental Aides put on boots and waders to bushwhack their way to 200 streams throughout the county. They collect samples as part of an ongoing research project to track trends on water and habitat health.

More information here


Read more...

Shoreline property owners may be eligible for $2000 to build a rain garden

Friday, February 11, 2022

Graphic courtesy City of Shoreline
Soil is a natural sponge. It soaks water into the ground and naturally filters out pollution. 

If you build a rain garden, plant natives, or plant a tree in your yard, you can help this natural sponge soak up rainwater, reduce flooding, and filter out pollution from roads, driveways and parking lots.

Shoreline property owners may be eligible for up to $2000 to install a new rain garden or native landscaping. 

Read more...

LFP Council to hear presentation on Creek Riparian Restoration Thursday

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Riparian restoration at McAleer Creek
Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park
The Lake Forest Park City Council, in their work session Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 6pm, will hear a King Conservation District presentation on Creek Riparian Restoration from Michael Lasecki, Senior Resource Specialist, Forest Stewardship.

The meeting is virtual.

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82719930895

Or One tap mobile :
US: +12532158782,,82719930895# or +16699006833,,82719930895#

Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

US:+12532158782 or+16699006833 or+13462487799 or+14086380968 or+1646 876 9923 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 827 1993 0895

International numbers available: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kRUDCKEX1


Read more...

Online class: Native Plants - Combining Beauty with Water Conservation

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

North City Water District is sponsoring a FREE Savvy Gardener class via Zoom on Thursday, February 24, 2022.

Our first class of the season is designed specifically for the Northwest Garden. Enjoy the sustainable beauty of Northwest native plants. Naturally suited to our wet winters / dry summers, discover these low-maintenance and water-saving wonders that add seasonal color to our yards.

Peggy Campbell
Peggy Campbell shares favorites for sun, shade and part shade — along with tips to start them off right.

Thursday, February 24, 2022
6:30–8:00pm
Held ONLINE via Zoom

About Our Presenter:

Believing gardening should be fun and satisfying, Peggy Campbell enjoys showing others how to take the work out of gardening. 

She shares tips learned while transforming her own time-intensive, weed-filled yard into an easy-care landscape of seasonal color every week of the year! 

An ecoPRO Certified Sustainable Landscape Professional, her gardening roots include a Bachelor in Horticulture from Washington State University.

To register, email Theresa Harrington at theresah@northcitywater.org

Visit our website at FREE Savvy Gardener Class – Native Plants | North City Water District for more information.



Read more...

Help Shoreline protect its streams, lakes, and creeks

Friday, January 21, 2022

Boeing Creek photo by Steven H. Robinson

Shoreline residents are invited to share ideas and opinions on how the City can better protect and restore our streams, lakes, and creeks. 

This link includes an interactive map of Shoreline's waterways and information on pressures they face. Check it out, then participate in a survey to share your ideas and priorities.

Echo Lake photo by Gidget Terpstra

The city wants citizen feedback to help them prioritize and plan future Surface Water Utility projects and programs. 

"We want to know what matters most to you! Successful planning for the future needs your input and ideas.

"How can we better protect and restore our natural surface waters?"

 
Ballinger Creek photo by Londa Jacques

The weblink contains interactive maps on Shoreline's drainage basins, water quality conditions, and areas of development. After reading through the maps, we'll ask for your feedback on:
  • Programs and projects the City should prioritize to restore and protect our waterways
  • Which drainage basins are most important to you and why
  • Suggestions for new programs and projects

Footbridge over Whisper Creek. Photo by Dan Short

Planners will use this information to help prioritize and plan on which drainage basins and streams to focus our programs and infrastructure improvements.



Read more...

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park beach closed Saturday morning due to volcano-caused tsunami threat

Sunday, January 16, 2022

Screenshot from Japanese underwater volcano in the South Pacific

On Saturday, January 15, 2022 an undersea volcano in the South Pacific Tonga archipelago erupted, sending waves crashing into the islands chain, and prompting tsunami warming around the north Pacific.

The eruption was captured on video from a Japanese weather satellite and broadcast on news organizations around the world.


Beachfront properties in Tonga were flooded. Hawaii had a wave surge of four feet. Tsunami warnings were issued for the west coast of the U.S. 

In Shoreline, Richmond Beach Saltwater Park beach access was closed until 1pm.

As it turned out, Washington state had minimal impact but the California coastal areas experienced four foot waves which caused damage to docks, boats, and beach homes.

It is somewhat unusual for volcanos to cause tsunamis.



Read more...

SPU crew makes quick work of replacing broken section of water main last weekend

Friday, January 14, 2022

SPU crews responding to break in water main
Photo by Pam Cross

On Sunday, January 9, 2022 Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) crews responded to a water main break at 1st Ave NW and NW 193 St. 

The break involved an 8-inch cast iron water main and impacted 22 customer water service lines. Some customers may have experienced a temporary decrease in water pressure or interruption in water service while crews were repairing the pipe.

Staff removed the broken piece of pipe and replaced it with a stainless steel pipe.

Photo by Pam Cross
To learn more about how SPU maintains approximately 1,600 miles of drinking water infrastructure, please visit:

https://www.seattle.gov/utilities/neighborhood-projects/water-repair

If you discover a soft spot in the street with water bubbling up from underneath (and you live west of the freeway), call SPU 24-hour emergencies (water, sewer, or drainage), at (206) 386-1800.

Corrected location of repair.

Read more...

Paramount Open Space wetland vs the Chehalis River

Monday, January 10, 2022

 
Photo by Janet Way
The wetlands in Paramount Park Open Space are filled with water, which is what is supposed to happen. Much of the year the Open Space is either dry or only slightly marshy. With the snow melt and downpours the wetlands are proving their worth.

I-5 through Chehalis. Photo courtesy WSDOT
To the south of us, Lewis County is continuing to find out why it wasn't a good idea to build a shopping mall in a marsh and the state is realizing they should have routed I-5 differently. 

During the past several days WSDOT has had to close 20 miles of I-5 in Chehalis because up to three lanes were under water. 

I-5 has been open and then closed and then opened again as the river crests and recedes. Check conditions before you try to drive to Portland.

--Diane Hettrick



Read more...

Water main repaired in Richmond Beach

Friday, January 7, 2022

Approximate location of water main break
Google maps
35 customers in a section of Richmond Beach had their water restored just after midnight on Friday, January 7, 2022 after an eight inch water main broke.

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) crews repaired the break, located near Richmond Beach Drive and NW 195th. 

According to a spokesperson from Seattle Public Utilities, water service was out four hours.

1-13-2022 - Article updated with information from Seattle Public Utilities

Read more...

Cottonwood tree in Echo Lake poses no risks - and may be of benefit

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Cottonwood tree in Echo Lake
Photo by Gidget Terpstra

By Diane Hettrick

Earlier this week, a very large cottonwood tree toppled into Echo Lake.

It looks dramatic, but according to the Shoreline cross departmental tree team, it poses no risks to the lake or the water level in the lake.

After investigation the City has determined, at this time, there is not a need to remove the tree which fell from private property next to Echo Lake Park.

It poses no risk to park users, surface water or other public infrastructure.

If it were to float down to the lake outlet at Echo Lake Park beach, the City would reassess risk and take any actions needed to address the risk, but staff do not believe the tree will affect outflow of the lake.

Tree snags and roots make excellent bird habitat
Photo by Gidget Terpstra

The tree may, in fact, make for a beneficial wildlife habitat snag.
 
Christine Southwick discussed the benefits of tree snags in her column Create Bird Habitat, Now.

To birds, a dead tree or one with dead branches is a thing of Habitat Beauty.

These snag trees are called “wildlife trees” since they can provide many layers of habitat for all kinds of birds and other wildlife.

The views of the tree are from the Interurban Trail by Echo Lake Park at N 200th and Ashworth Ave N.



Read more...

Roads in Whatcom and Skagit counties periodically closed as WSDOT and PSE crews make repairs

Sunday, November 21, 2021

Whatcom County photo courtesy WSDOT

On Monday, November 15, 2021 every state highway in Whatcom and Skagit counties had at least one closure due to the unprecedented amount of rain. WSDOT maintenance crews worked around the clock to reopen roads and complete inspections as floodwaters receded. 

Crews have reopened most of the more than 20 closures, however in places where water damaged the roadway, emergency repairs will be needed. 

What drivers should do:
  • If you encounter a water-covered roadway, "Turn around, don't drown." Do not drive through standing water. 
  • Observe all "Road Closed" signs - they are put in place for your safety.
  • In places where WSDOT has opened roads to local access and delivery only, please be courteous - if you are not local avoid driving through these areas. 
  • Be alert. WSDOT crews, local public works, emergency responders and utility crews are working to clear and reopen roads as quickly and safely as possible. 


Read more...

Highways in Whatcom, Skagit counties remain closed due to flooding

Thursday, November 18, 2021

Photo courtesy Whatcom County

Floodwaters are receding in Whatcom and Skagit counties, allowing WSDOT to assess and reopen some state highways. However, many highways remain closed even if water no longer covers the roadway. WSDOT still needs to assess each area that was flooded to be sure each highway is safe for travel.

DO NOT GO PAST “ROAD CLOSED” SIGNS. 

In some areas highways have had sections washed away; in others they could be undermined so the pavement looks fine, but there is no ground underneath to support it. WSDOT crews are checking these as quickly as possible.

What drivers should do:
  • If you encounter a water-covered roadway, "Turn around, don't drown." 
  • Do not drive through standing water. Not only is it difficult to tell the condition of the road is underneath the water, it only takes 6 inches of water on the roadway for vehicles to stall and 12 inches of water to carry a vehicle off the roadway.
  • Observe all "Road Closed" signs - they are put in place for your safety.
  • Be alert. WSDOT crews, local public works, emergency responders and utility crews are working to clear and reopen roads as quickly and safely as possible.
What's next 

WSDOT crews will continue to assess its highways as waters recede. If a highway is safe for travel, we will reopen it. If a highway needs repairs, we will plan for and make the repairs. 

Drivers should be prepared for significant delays, lane closures and even detours in some instances - particularly along I-5. Anytime a road is closed, consideration is given to the effect it has on the traveling public. Where repairs are necessary, this process could take time, thanks for your patience.

Find information about local road closures visit Public Works | Whatcom County, WA - Official Website and Skagit County Public Works Road Closures.

The National Weather Service provides updated weather alerts including information about flooding.



Read more...

Freeway cleared near Bellingham; water levels recede in Whatcom county; flooding 'catastrophic' across Canadian border

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Flooding. Photo courtesy Whatcom county

WSDOT reports that the trees and dirt have been cleared from I-5 and it has been reopened. As of late Tuesday, water levels were receding throughout Whatcom County (Bellingham)

Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies and search and rescue volunteers worked throughout the night and continued their efforts on Tuesday.

Approximately 100 rescue calls to move people due to the flooding in the north and northeast areas of Whatcom County were responded to on Tuesday. All calls were cleared by early evening.

As of Tuesday evening, roughly 300 people were housed in one of two shelters in the Lynden area.

Over 100 Ferndale residents worked for eight hours Tuesday placing over 3,000 sandbags to protect the levee. The voluntary evacuation for downtown Ferndale remained in place overnight.

The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office implored people not to ignore road closure signs.

Drivers have continued to ignore road-closed signs, cars have been stranded/stuck in floodwaters, and drivers have required rescue. This stretches the capacity of our first responders at a critical time.

Just across the Canadian border, the city of Abbotsford is warning of catastrophic flooding of a large low lying area known as Sumas Prairie, urging everyone to evacuate or at least let the police know where they are. It is an agricultural area with dairy cows and chickens and farmers had remained to take care of their stock.

A major pump station at Barrowstown, which keeps water from the Fraser River from flooding the Prairie in in danger of failing. Sumas Prairie extends into Washington. Authorities in the U.S. are monitoring the situation.



Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP