Army Corps of Engineers begins 24/7 reservoir control operation, puts flood teams on alert

Published Oct. 30, 2012

SEATTLE – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, Reservoir Control Center began 24-hour operation Oct. 30.  The District Emergency Operation Center has been activated and Emergency Managers have placed four flood teams for western Washington basins on alert.

The reservoirs behind dams the Corps operates are all down at low levels ready to hold back anticipated high flows.  The Corps operates dams in the White/Puyallup, Green/Duwamish, Skagit and Wynoochee basins for flood risk reduction.

Flood fight teams from the Corps are prepared to assist local governments wherever needed. Teams for the Puyallup, Skagit and Nooksack basins are on alert, and the Corps is monitoring the situation throughout western Washington.

“The Corps has teams of emergency responders that assist in floods and natural disasters, and they are ready to assist local governments if they request our assistance,” said Seattle District Emergency Management Chief Doug Weber.

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.

For more information on the Corps, and up-to-date river forecasts, go to http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/  and click on Rivers and Reservoirs. Lake and river information is available at:  http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/nws/hh/basins/  

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 206-764-3750 or the Information Line for recorded updates at 1-866-596-2635


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Release no. 12-038