Higher temps, rain forecast for Cascades; flooding possible

Published 1:30 am Monday, January 16, 2017

EVERETT — Those living riverside may want spare sand bags on hand this week. Heavy rains are ahead.

A warm front is forecast to move through Western Washington on Tuesday morning.

A second front could bring heavy rain. Between five and seven inches of rain could fall in the Olympic Mountains, and three to five inches in the North Cascades. The warm front also could raise snow levels to 7,000 or 8,000 feet.

With the abundance of rain and warmer temperatures, rivers flowing from the mountains could flood.

Current river levels are relatively low, but “the Skykomish (River) floods with just a little rain,” National Weather Service meteorologist Johnny Burg said.

A recent study conducted in Snohomish County identified trouble spots for flooding, and how best to address them. Several are located along the Skykomish River.

Two stretches of Ben Howard Road, which parallels the river, typically close during big storms when water covers the roadway. The county is looking into elevating the road in these sections as a possible solution.

Over the next couple days, the lowlands are expected to have steady rainfall. About two inches could fall in Everett.

“We’re not expecting any major flooding,” Burg said. “It’s been pretty dry.”

In the mountains, the Weather Service issued a winter weather warning for the Cascade Range in Snohomish County. It is in effect from 6 a.m. Tuesday through 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Stevens and Snoqualmie passes could see up to five inches of snow accumulation Tuesday morning. By midday, freezing rain is forecast to begin covering the passes. More than an inch of ice is possible, according to the Weather Service.

The forecast weather has prompted the Northwest Avalanche Center to issue an avalanche watch for the Cascade Range. The watch is in effect Tuesday night through Wednesday morning.

Backcountry areas are prone to natural and human-triggered avalanches at this time, according to the Northwest Avalanche Center. The northern part of the Cascade Range, including the Mount Baker area, is most likely to be affected. The avalanche center recommends that people stick to designated ski areas.

Blustery winds could contribute to the risk. Breezes will be strongest in Everett and the coastal areas, reaching 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph, Burg said.

Rain is forecast for the remainder of the week throughout most of the county.

“The precipitation will be more showery,” Burg said. “The next couple days is the heavy stuff.”

Caitlin Tompkins: 425-339-3192; ctompkins@heraldnet.com.