Members of the public using the Green River this weekend are advised that flows likely will be significantly higher than they have been recently, so caution is advised.

The current forecast suggests that flows in the Green River will remain below flood stage.

A relatively wet system combined with spring-time melt will increase local inflows to the river, which could result in outflows from Howard Hanson Dam in excess of 5,000 cubic feet per second.

As of this release the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District is refilling the reservoir at Howard Hanson Dam and the pool is currently at an elevation of 1,152 feet above sea level.  The Corps will bring the reservoir up to the summer conservation pool elevation of 1,167 feet. It is expected to reach this level by mid-June.

The Corps operates the Howard Hanson Dam project, which provides flood damage reduction to the cities of Auburn, Kent, Renton and Tukwila, as well as low-flow augmentation to the Green River for environmental benefits.

More details and history about Howard Hanson Dam and the right abutment issue can be found at   www.nws.usace.army.mil.