Flood warning systems are monitoring high water on the Tolt and Snoqualmie Rivers.

The King County Flood Warning Center opened shortly after noon Thursday, Jan. 13, to monitor rising flows on the Tolt River from heavy rainfall in the area.

As of 12:45 p.m., the North Fork of the Tolt River flowing at 2,650 cubic feet per second, above the Phase II alert level associated with minor flooding.

Homes in the San Souci area may be inaccessible and experience high water depths and velocities. Tolt River Road and some driveways may overtop.

The stream gage on the mainstem Tolt River is not functioning at this time, so Flood Warning Center staff are using data from stream gages on the North and South forks of the Tolt.

A Phase II flood alert level is the level of the county’s four-phase warning system at which the Flood Warning Center activates to monitor conditions.

Snoqualmie River flooding?

Forecasts by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say the Snoqualmie River valley may also experience a mild or medium flood this weekend.

As of Thursday, NOAA predictions state that the Snoqualmie River will crest at the falls at about 24,584 cubic feet per second, or 14.08 feet, at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan, 16. Flood stage is 13 feet. Water typically enters downtown Snoqualmie at about 35,000 feet, according to Snoqualmie fire officials.

At Carnation, the river is expected to crest at 56.6 feetm about two feet above flood stage, at 10 p.m. Sunday.

More information

Updated information on flooding will also be posted on the King County website at www.kingcounty.gov, or via RPIN, the area’s regional website at http://www.rpin.org. A recorded flood-information hotline is also updated each hour for citizens wanting information in flood areas. The number is 206-296-8200 or 1-800-945-9263.

Citizens who need help interpreting flood information should call 206-296-4535 or 1-800-768-7932. Problems on county maintained roads can be reported by calling 206-296-8100 or 1-800-KC-ROADS.

An automated flood alert system is now available and provides real-time warning of potential high water on more than a half-dozen rivers. King County residents and business owners can sign up to receive King County Flood Alerts by visiting www.kingcounty.gov/flood, or by calling 206-263-3400 during regular business hours to register by phone. Messages of potential high flows on any of King County’s major river systems can be sent by phone, text or e-mail.