One consequence of a temporary flood barrier protecting downtown Pacific from the White River during flood season was that the barrier also could trap stormwater in the neighborhood.
No more.
King County crews are currently installing stormwater pumps that can pump collected water out of the neighborhood whenever necessary throughout flood season.
On Wednesday, employees with the King County River and Floodplain Management Section of the Water and Land Resources Division will install three pumps behind the flood-protection barrier, which was initially built in the fall of 2009, then realigned earlier this year to provide better access to Pacific’s City Park. The park sits along the bank of the White River and is used year ’round.
These flood protection barriers and stormwater pumps are the first line of defense against White River flooding, and were installed in coordination with the King County Flood Control District.
Given the forecast for colder, wetter conditions this fall and winter, there is an increased chance that rivers across King County could flood, including the White River.
Pacific residents are being asked for their help in protecting the integrity of this flood-protection system. Call 911 if you see vandalism occurring to the pumps or flood protection barriers, and report any damages to Katy Vanderpool, King County’s White River Basin Coordinator, at 206-296-8362.
Weather experts are predicting La Nina conditions this winter – meaning an increased possibility of wetter and colder than normal weather. As such, the White River may be seeing flood conditions and it is important that residents and businesses remain diligent about their own flood preparations.
• Making an emergency plan and assembling an emergency kit that includes a portable battery-powered radio, flashlight, fresh batteries, cooking equipment, non-perishable food, drinking water, medications and a first aid kit. Visit www.govlink.org/3days3ways/makeaplan.html for more information.
• Buying flood insurance now; it takes 30 days for a policy to take effect, and a standard insurance policy will not cover flood damage. Contact your insurance agent or visit www.floodsmart.gov.
• Monitoring area news media for information if severe weather is predicted. Listen for alerts about evacuation routes, and monitor local road conditions and obey closure signs.
• Minimizing flood damage by storing valuables and electronics higher, and by moving vehicles and equipment to high ground before flood waters rise.
• Dispose of hazardous chemicals such as lawn and gardening herbicides at one of the county’s household hazardous waste sites to help reduce harmful contaminates in flood waters.
Citizens can receive customized flood alert warnings for the White River or any other river within King County by signing up with “KC Flood Alerts,” an automated flood warning notification system that would allow those registered to receive specialized alerts via phone, e-mail or text messaging. Details are available at www.kingcounty.gov/flood. The website is a valuable preparedness resource, with all of the latest information about river levels and road conditions, plus weather reports and other critical links.
When flooding is likely, King County opens its Flood Warning Center to help coordinate emergency response activities. During a flood, the Flood Warning Center is open 24 hours to help residents, businesses, property owners and first responders make critical health and safety decisions. Call 206-296-4535 or 800-768-7932 to speak with a staff person during a flood.
King County’s Flood Warning Information Line has year-round recorded flood phase information for King County rivers. Call 206-296-8200 or 800-945- 9263.
