The Methow River is predicted to rise over flood stage again this week. During last week’s warning, it did get up to — but not above — flood level at the only gauge on the river with a designated flood level.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning that is in effect from 8:30 a.m. this morning until Saturday (June 3, 2017). At 6:15 a.m., the river level at the station near Pateros measured 9.5 feet; flood stage is 10.0 feet. It is expected to rise to near 10.7 feet late tomorrow morning and then fall back below flood stage by Saturday morning.
There are three other flow level measurement stations on the Methow River, however only the one near Pateros has a designated flood level. When the gauge near Pateros measures 10.0 feet, minor flooding is expected in low-lying areas adjacent to the river all the way from Mazama to Pateros. Significant flooding would be expected at a level of 12.0.
The Okanogan River is already over flood stage according to the National Weather Service, with the river being at 16.24 feet (15.0 foot flood stage). It is expected to continue to rise to 17.4 feet by Friday afternoon before it begins receding.
In addition to being full of fast-moving, very cold water, the rivers are also full of large debris (think trees) moving fast. People are advised to stay out of — and off — area rivers.
