Flooding possible after mudslide; residents evacuated
Mar 22, 2014, 8:02 PM | Updated: 8:19 pm
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the North Fork Stillaguamish River after a mudslide blocked it Saturday morning.
While flooding is likely above the slide, east of Oso, and flash flooding is possible below the mudslide if the blockage gives way, the National Weather Service says models show catastrophic flash flooding is not likely.
At 5:15 p.m. Saturday, the river was at 3.2 feet. Flood stage is 13.0 feet.
“Even if all the water backed up behind the slide were to rapidly drain into the lower river, the river at Arlington would not come close to flood stage,” according to the NWS.
However, the area closest to the slide might see some flooding.
The NWS warns drivers not to cross flood waters as it is the cause of most flood related deaths in Washington state.
Snohomish County authorities urged people who live near the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River near Oso to evacuate the area before nightfall Saturday.
Shelters have been set up at Post Middle School in Arlington and the Darrington Community Center.
A flash flood watch is in effect through Sunday afternoon.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
