Even though we live on an Island, and there are no major creeks or rivers on the island, our lives are very much affected by the rising rivers in the area. I-5 runs over about 6 major rivers, from Tacoma to the Canadian Border, and all of these rivers are expected to flood. What this will do to us, is keep our much needed supplies away from us. Although we have never run entirely out of anything, It does make you plan ahead. Fill your gas tanks, Buy extra milk and bread.
When the Skagit River floods, it becomes really messy. our major access point to the main land is over Deception Pass, and across the Skagit Valley. This is a big flat low lying delta, that is farmed during all seasons. It is also the only way on the island without taking the Ferry at the South end. When the valley floods, Highway 20 and I-5 are closed. Mt. Vernon is where all of the major malls are for us to shop. Hmmmmm Maybe there will be some good flood bargains. Seriously, this could be a major disaster. It floods every year, but with no rain in months, all the water is running off the land, and into the rivers. Usually the rain that we get, is a light soaky rain, and seeps right into the land. Well this time it isn't. In some places there has been upwards of 6" since this weekend.
Skagit river basin 450 am PDT Fri Oct 17 2003
Skagit river at Concrete...
flood stage: 28.0 feet. Latest reading: 28.5 feet at 430 am.
Forecast: cresting near 34 feet around 10 PM tonight.
Skagit river at Mount Vernon...
flood stage: 28.0 feet. Latest reading: 21.2 feet at 400 am.
Forecast: rising to flood stage around noon.
Cresting near 33 feet 10 am Saturday morning.
The predicted crest on the Skagit would result in major flooding.
The river will inundate Farmlands and roads in the Skagit Valley
... With flooding in the residential areas of several towns. This
corresponds to a phase 2 flood on the Skagit river.
Let's hope everyone is prepared.
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