November 18, 2009
For the remainder of the week, the National Weather Service is forecasting rain and/or rain showers with some dry periods in between weather systems. Rainfall could be locally heavy at times. A Wind Advisory has been issued for Wednesday and Thursday where wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour could occur. Urban stream flooding is not forecasted. In the mountains, the forecast calls for moderate to heavy rain and/or snowfall on Wednesday and Thursday with high winds. Rain and/or snow may be heavy at times. The snow level will range between 5,000 and 2,000-Ft. Riverine flooding is not forecasted.
NOTE: With the onset of fall weather and rains, leaves become a problem for clogging storm drain grates. As a reminder, residents can greatly help their own drainage situations by clearing away any leaves or other debris from storm drain grates, as well as minor blockages that may have clogged small culverts in ditches.
2010 Flooding Frequently Asked Questions - pdf
Last Update: 12/8/08
The Pierce County River Flood Warning Phase Web Service provides information on flooding conditions and phases for the Puyallup, Carbon, White and Nisqually Rivers. By moving the mouse cursor over a given reach of a river, one can easily see what level or phase level of flooding the river may be at.
Four phases of flow or flooding have been developed which the river flows may be at. These are:
Phase 1 - No Flooding
Phase 2 - Minor Flooding
Phase 3 - Moderate Flooding
Phase 4 - Severe Flooding
Phase 1 means that no flooding is occurring, however river flows may be at elevated flow stages.
Phase 2 means that minor flooding may likely occur in which low lying areas and pasture may flood due to some overtopping flows.
Phase 3 means that moderate flooding may likely occur in which adjacent property may be flooding and have more dangerous high velocity flow and debris.
Phase 4 means that severe flooding may likely occur in which adjacent and nearby property may be flooding with very dangerous high velocity flow, debris and deep water.
The information on the web page is updated as river flow and flooding conditions change. Therefore, viewers may need to check the site several time during the course of an event to track the phase levels as river conditions can change rather quickly. If you wish to zoom in to see more detailed flood plain information for a particular area or tax parcel, place your cursor on the river you wish to learn more about and then click on the link labeled 'Go to Public GIS'.
We hope you find this site useful and helpful in order to help you plan and take the proper actions to protect your life, family and property.
The link for this page will move to the Pierce County Services drop down menu soon. Please bookmark this page if you use it often.
