The Methow River is has risen above flood stage — barely — this morning. As of this writing, the most current measurement from the station near Pateros is 10.08 feet at 10:15 a.m. Flood stage at that station is considered to be 10.0 feet.
A National Weather Service Flood Warning continues through today. It is expected to rise to near 10.2 feet midday Thursday and then fall back below flood stage by early Friday 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 16.59 feet at 10:15 this morning (15.0 foot is flood stage). It is expected to continue to rise to 17.1 feet by Friday afternoon before it begins receding. It is not expected to fall below flood stage until about June 10.
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.
