Key Takeaways
- Atmospheric river storms continue to affect Washington state, causing flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage
- Over 1,200 rescues have been made across 10 counties since December 8, with one reported fatality
- Multiple levees have failed, and several dams are being monitored for potential breaches
- The state’s infrastructure is under stress, with 13 state highways closed and major arteries like Highway 2 and Interstate 90 affected
- Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of flooding in the region, with more intense river flooding predicted in the future
Introduction to the Crisis
The state of Washington is facing a severe crisis as atmospheric river storms continue to pound the region, causing widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage. The storms have resulted in over 1,200 rescues across 10 counties since December 8, with one reported fatality. The state’s infrastructure is under significant stress, with 13 state highways closed and major arteries like Highway 2 and Interstate 90 affected. Governor Bob Ferguson has warned that the state’s infrastructure has been compromised, and there is tremendous stress on it.
The Impact of Flooding
The flooding has had a devastating impact on communities across western Washington, with many areas remaining filled with slowly receding floodwaters. The town of Pacific, near the White River, has been particularly affected, with a semipermanent levee breached on Tuesday morning. The breach has resulted in an evacuation alert being sent to 1,300 people in the area, and crews are working to add sandbags and "super sacks" to reinforce the breached sections. Another levee was damaged in the town of Tukwila, south of Seattle, along the Green River, with a 6-foot section washed out on Monday.
Infrastructure Damage and Response
The state’s dams and levees have been under significant pressure, with at least two dams being monitored for cracks and potential breaches. The Lake Sylvia Dam, built in 1918, has been listed as in "poor condition" with "significant" hazard, and several roads would be at risk if it fails. The state Department of Ecology is working to monitor the situation and prevent any further damage. Meanwhile, dam operators have been forced to spill upstream dams to prevent them from being overwhelmed, and workers are monitoring a number of levees of concern and beefing up some that they know to be weak.
Climate Change and Future Risks
The flooding in Washington state is a stark reminder of the impact of climate change on the region. Rising temperatures mean more precipitation is falling as rain rather than snow, leading to more intense river flooding. By the end of the century, a flood on the Skagit River that could be expected once every 100 years could increase in volume by nearly 50%. The best option to reduce future risk, according to State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger, is to give rivers more space. This would involve allowing rivers to meander and flow naturally, rather than channelizing them and building housing and industrial buildings close to the edge of flood plains.
Conclusion and Future Projections
The situation in Washington state is expected to worsen, with more storms on the horizon and the Skagit and Snoqualmie rivers predicted to reach or exceed major flood stage by Thursday morning. The state’s infrastructure is under significant stress, and it is essential that measures are taken to prevent further damage and reduce the risk of flooding in the future. This includes giving rivers more space, monitoring and maintaining dams and levees, and taking steps to mitigate the impact of climate change. Only by taking a proactive approach can the state of Washington reduce the risk of flooding and protect its communities from the devastating impact of these events.