Stehekin, WA – Rising river levels are already flooding roads and threatening infrastructure across parts of Washington, with the Stehekin River surging past critical thresholds Tuesday afternoon and more impacts expected through Saturday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, the Stehekin River reached 21.2 feet by early Tuesday afternoon and is expected to climb to 21.8 feet by Wednesday morning. Flood stage begins at 19.3 feet, and water is already overtopping the temporary corduroy bridge while flooding stretches of Company Creek Road and damaging sections of Wood Road.
Across Chelan County, recent rainfall totals between 0.25 and 1.25 inches combined with rapid snowmelt are driving the rise. Water levels are expected to remain above 20 feet through at least Saturday morning, prolonging impacts in the lower Stehekin Valley.
In Kittitas County, the Yakima River near Umtanum is forecast to crest at 35.6 feet Wednesday afternoon, just above flood stage. Minor flooding is expected along the river from Teanaway to Ellensburg, including Irene Rinehart Park. Farther upstream near Easton, the river is set to exceed flood stage around midnight Tuesday, peaking Wednesday before receding Thursday.
The Naches River near Yakima is also rising, with levels expected to crest late Wednesday morning before dropping below flood stage by Thursday.
Residents in flood-prone areas should avoid driving through water-covered roads and prepare for changing conditions. Additional advisories may be issued as rivers respond to ongoing snowmelt and runoff through the end of the week.
