The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, put its Emergency Operations center into operation Dec. 8 and has sent teams to assess flood protection measures in the Skagit and Nooksack River basins and on the Olympic Peninsula. The Corps’ reservoir control center is also in 24-hour-a-day operation to manage anticipated high inflows in the north cascades and Olympics.
The Dike District #1 levee on the Skagit River was damaged during the Thanksgiving Day flood, and the Dike District is shoring up the levee. In addition, the Corps has sent sandbags to the City of Aberdeen and the Sauk-Suiattle Tribe for their flood response measures.
“The Corps has sent out teams of emergency responders who are familiar with the local conditions and the specific threats to levees and revetments in these areas,” said Doug Weber, the Seattle District, U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Emergency Management Branch Chief.
Rivers are expected to peak Wednesday through Thursday, and teams will remain to provide assistance as requested and monitor conditions until the major flood threat has passed.
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.
Release no. 14-052