Flood waters have dropped in the Naches area at this point. Lower Valley residents should be aware that the volume of water in the Yakima River will rise going into tomorrow, and that there will be an increased amount of debris floating in the river.
The Naches River has seen a significant increase in water and debris flow, due to runoff from tributary creeks and the release of water from Bumping Lake dam by the Bureau of Reclamation. As a result of the weather system last night, the Naches River will continue to rise over the next 24 hours. Currently, the Naches is at 20.19ft (moderate flood stage), and is expected to go up to 20.66ft. (Major flood stage is 21.00). The most recent high level of this river is 20.40 in 2011. The County EOC is semi-activated providing Area Emergency Operations Center monitoring/ common operation picture support, and JIS to ICP being commanded by Nile Valley Fire Department.
There have been numerous reports of flooding caused damage, particularly in the area of the Nile community. Approximately 10-20 residents in the Nile area were advised to evacuate by the local Fire department. The road leading up the bridge at Rattlesnake Creek has been damaged, and that bridge is not usable by Nile residents. Access to the Nile community is only via the north or south entrances onto highway 410.
Residents near the Naches and Yakima Rivers, and/or near floodplains are advised to be aware of changing conditions, and make preparations, if appropriate, to evacuate persons and livestock.
