Everett, Wash.
Published: Friday, January 9, 2009

Relief as water recedes in east Snohomish County

Efforts of volunteers prevent damage from being much worse.

By Debra Smith and Kaitlin Manry
Herald Writers

 SULTAN -- The floodwater that blocked roads and surrounded homes and businesses in east Snohomish County began to retreat Thursday, leaving a muddy mess.

The water was still high enough city officials couldn't check on one development near town. The storm flooded some businesses near Rice Road, including the McDonald's and a fabrication shop owned by a city councilman.

"We're just glad to see the water receding," said Connie Dunn, city public works director. "People are recuperating."

People in town came together during the flood, dragging road signs around town, filling sandbags and checking on each other, she said. One longtime local, Rocky Walker, took the lead coordinating other volunteers.

"It's an awesome time of everybody getting involved and working together," Dunn said.

Sultan officials planned to spend today collecting sandbags, clearing culverts and removing debris from city streets that floated in, Dunn said. At one point, floodwaters crept up past Third Street and Main but it could have been worse.

Everyone seems to be wondering what's next.

"People are saying, 'When is this winter going to be over?' " Dunn said. "Or the other one I get is, 'What's going to be next?' "

In Gold Bar, people living near May Creek saw the tributary flood in ways locals couldn't recall seeing before, Mayor Crystal Hill said.

At least one family living outside town near U.S. 2 had to be rescued from their home just before midnight, as floodwaters came up to their door and flowed into their home. Everyone in the family, which included children and a senior, were unhurt.

In Monroe, officials spent Thursday watching the river and waiting. Most homes and businesses are out of harm's way, even if the Snohomish River reached record levels, said Brad Feilberg. Still, at least one apartment complex near Sky River Park had to be evacuated as a precaution.

The Monroe Motel on Old Owen Road had to evacuate guests after nearby Woods Creek pushed over its banks and flooded the mom-and-pop motel.

Manager Nancy Hill said she awoke early Thursday to discover the creek was surrounding buildings.

"The water is at least up to our knees," she said.

With all the roads leading to Darrington flooded, the town remained an island Thursday. High school students spent class time filling sandbags, and the IGA ran out of bread and eggs, Mayor Joyce Jones said.

Still, she said Darrington has been fortunate because the streets downtown haven't flooded much and there haven't been any emergencies that would necessitate a trip out of town.

"The snow is melting, and the rain is not too hard, and it's keeping things dry," she said. "I think everyone is just kind of waiting and hoping."

Reporter Debra Smith: 425-339-3197 or dsmith@heraldnet.com.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA