Washington State is currently grappling with the aftermath of record-breaking floods, prompting a state of emergency across the region. Skagit County, in particular, has borne the brunt of this natural disaster, with extensive flooding impacting numerous communities. As of late December 16th, emergency operations have been in full swing, focusing on evacuations, supporting displaced residents, and initiating crucial cleanup efforts.
Historic River Levels Trigger Widespread Flooding
The Skagit River reached unprecedented levels, cresting at historic highs in both Concrete and Mount Vernon. In Concrete, the river peaked at an astonishing 41.1 feet on Thursday morning at 6:45 a.m. Mount Vernon experienced its own historic crest on Friday at 12:15 a.m., reaching 37.73 feet. These elevated water levels have led to widespread inundation across the Skagit Valley, transforming familiar landscapes into submerged areas.
Adding to the crisis, flooding along Gages Slough necessitated further evacuation notices in the City of Burlington on Friday morning. Even days after the initial crests, the county remains under a flood watch, and a flood warning for the Skagit River near Mount Vernon is still in effect, underscoring the persistent threat posed by the rising waters.
Evacuation Orders and Resident Guidance
Skagit County has implemented a tiered evacuation system to ensure resident safety. As of December 16th, the following evacuation orders are in place:
Level 2: “Get Set” Evacuation: All residents within Skagit County’s 100-year floodplain are advised to be in a “Get Set” state. This means having a go-kit prepared, knowing their evacuation routes, and being ready for potential evacuation orders. This level signifies a heightened risk and the need for preparedness.
Level 3: “Go Now” Evacuation: In the Town of Concrete, eight homes are currently under a Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation. This urgent order is due to the significant risk of additional landslides, specifically in the Knot Hill – Eriksen Pl Slide area. Residents in these locations must evacuate immediately.
Level 2: “Get Set” Evacuation (Landslide Risk): An additional 32 homes in Concrete are under a Level 2 “Get Set” evacuation. This advisory is related to the Burpee Hill Slide, where there is a risk of earth movement and potential landslides. Residents in these areas should prepare for possible evacuation.
As floodwaters begin to recede, Skagit County officials are urging residents to exercise extreme caution. Residents are permitted to return to their homes only if the routes are open and deemed safe for travel, and if their homes have not been directly affected by flooding. It is crucial to understand that many neighborhoods and towns remain submerged and unsafe for re-entry.
Emergency operators are continuing their diligent response to the ongoing flood event. Residents in need of resources, such as information on available shelters, are encouraged to visit the Skagit County incident page at http://www.skagitcounty.net/flood.
Anticipating Further Weather Challenges
The threat is not yet over. The National Weather Service is closely monitoring a series of atmospheric rivers predicted to impact Skagit County from Sunday evening through Wednesday. These storms carry the potential for additional flooding, particularly as the Skagit River may not have fully receded by Sunday. Residents are advised to stay informed and prepared for further updates regarding these impending weather events.
Essential Safety Reminders for Residents
Navigating the post-flood environment requires vigilance. Skagit County has issued several critical safety reminders:
- Respect Road Closures: Always obey road closure signs. A live Skagit County road closure map is available at http://www.skagitcounty.net/flood for real-time updates.
- Avoid Driving Through Floodwater: Never attempt to drive through any water covering roadways. Floodwaters can be deceptively deep and hide dangerous debris.
- Stay Out of Floodwater: Floodwater is often contaminated and can harbor hazardous materials. It can also conceal submerged debris, downed power lines that may electrically charge the water, and other unseen dangers.
Shelter Information and Resources
The Skagit County Emergency Operations Center, in collaboration with local organizations, churches, towns, and the American Red Cross, is providing shelter services. Shelter and parking are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The following locations remain open:
Family Promise at Central United Methodist Church
- Address: 1013 Polte Rd, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
- Contact: 360-854-0743
- Notes: Pets may be accommodated if possible.
Inspire Church
- Address: 59850 State Route 20, Marblemount, WA
- Contact: 360-445-1140
- Notes: Pets can be accommodated at this shelter. ADA accessible.
Bethany Covenant Church – Red Cross Shelter
- Address: 1318 S 18th St, Mount Vernon, WA 98274
- Contact: 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767)
- Notes: Pets are not allowed at this shelter.
LDS Church
- Address: 1700 E Hazel St, Mount Vernon, WA 98274
- Contact: 253-820-8876
- Notes: Pets cannot be accommodated at this shelter.
Hamilton First Baptist Church
- Address: 797 Hamilton Cemetery Rd, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
- Contact: 360 826 3307
- Notes: Pets can be accommodated on a case-by-case basis. ADA accessible.
Parking Lots for Vehicles Only:
- Silo Park, Parking Lot: 7503 N Superior, Concrete, WA
- Parking Lot behind Superior Building: 45418 Main Street, Concrete, WA
- Concrete Community Center: 45821 Railroad Avenue, Concrete, WA
RV Parking:
Bakerview Park parking lot: 3101 East Fir Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
- Available for fully self-contained RVs only. No facilities or hookups are provided.
Skagit Speedway: 4796 Old Highway 99 North; Burlington WA 98233
Additional Helpful Resources
For those seeking further information and assistance, the following resources are available:
- River Level Hotline: Call (360) 416-1404 for updated river forecasts.
- Current River Levels: Access real-time data for the Skagit River Gauge in Concrete, Skagit River Gauge in Mount Vernon, and Samish River Gauge in Burlington.
- Sandbags: For those needing sandbags, email dem@co.skagit.wa or call (360) 416-2090. Information on sandbag locations can be found online.
- GO! Kit Preparation: Visit ready.gov/kit for comprehensive tips on building an emergency preparedness kit.
Livestock and Animal Assistance
Recognizing the challenges faced by livestock owners, specific shelter options have been established:
- Sedro-Woolley Rodeo Grounds: Located at 24538 Polte Rd, Sedro-Woolley. For questions, call 360-421-9468.
- Skagit Animals in Need (SAIN): For assistance with livestock arrangements, contact info@skagitanimalsinneed.org or find them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SkagitAnimalsInNeed.
- Darrington Rodeo Grounds: Located at 42109 State Route 530 NE, Darrington, WA 98241. Please note that this location cannot accommodate household pets, small animals, or swine. Contact them at 425-407-2899.
Additional information on staying healthy during and after a flood, monitoring road closures, and the latest updates from Skagit County Emergency Management can be accessed through their respective online resources.
