Flood Watch issued in Skagit County

Updated 9am Dec. 5.

As of 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 5, the Skagit River near Concrete is predicted to be close to crest at 4:00 p.m. and be fully crested at 38.02 feet at 10:00 p.m. tonight. The Skagit River near Mount Vernon is anticipated to crest at 35.47 feet on December 6, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. Both levels are above their respective major flooding thresholds, of 32.5 feet (Concrete) and 32 feet (Mount Vernon).

A combination of snow melt and heavy rains from multiple atmospheric rivers will push some rivers and coastal plains to flood stage by Tuesday evening, extending through Wednesday evening. 

The County is asking the public to please take this flood emergency seriously and follow any safety recommendations from public agencies. In previous flood events there have been injuries to the public and law enforcement members during flood rescues and we do not wish to have those repeated.

As a reminder, please do not drive over flooded roadways and practice “Don’t drown, turn around”. Follow road closure and cautionary signs and don’t drive around barricades. Water can be deeper and faster moving than anticipated, presenting risks to drivers.

Residents should be prepared to potentially take action over the next 24 hours to protect their homes, families, and livestock from floodwaters. For health and safety related information about floods, visit the Skagit County Emergency Information webpage: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/EmergencyInformation/main.htm

For updated river forecasts, please call the River Level Hotline at (360) 416-1404 or visit the National Weather Service webpage below for the most recent hydrographs. 

https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=sew&gage=mvew1

To monitor road closures, visit the Skagit County road closure webpage here: https://www.skagitcounty.net/reporting/roadclose/

If you have questions, or are looking for a location to pick up sandbags, please contact Skagit County Department of Emergency Management at (360) 416-1850.