Army Corps flood fight teams working in Skagit and Snohomish River basins

Published Feb. 2, 2020

Flood fighters from the Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, continue working in the Town of Lyman to extend the length of a buried rock trench to reinforce the upstream channel bank along the Skagit River. Crews are working 24-hours a day and have completed the trench and placed two thirds of the riprap. Emergency measures are expected to be completed by Monday.

The Snohomish flood team has deployed to Snohomish County to begin providing emergency measures at Ebey Slough Levee. There is a damaged area showing signs of slope failure. The damaged area has potential to cause a full breach, which would inundate the valley. Crews are installing rock along about 75 feet of the levee slope. Operations are expected to run through Monday.

The Nooksack flood team continues to coordinate monitoring efforts with Whatcom County in areas of concern.

Seattle District has delivered 50,000 sandbags, two pumps and 400 super sacks to assist local efforts in Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties.

Public Law 84-99 enables the Corps to assist state and local authorities in flood fight activities and cost share in the repair of flood protection structures. The purpose is to prevent loss of life and minimize property damage associated with severe weather.

Private citizens seeking sandbags should contact their local government offices. 

The National Weather Service issues flood watches and warnings and should be consulted for that information.


Contact
Public Affairs Office
206-764-3750
paoteam@nws02.usace.army.mil

Release no. 20-007