Green River and Howard Hanson Dam Information
The Army Corps of Engineers has notified the City of Auburn of a situation at the Howard Hanson Dam which may require the release of more water than usual during extreme rain events. As a result of this increased water release, parts of Auburn are at a higher risk of flooding. The general location of this higher risk is confined to the area of Auburn north of 22nd St. NE and those areas immediately bordering the Green River and Mill Creek. This situation may continue for the next 18-24 months or potentially longer depending on the nature of the repair work to be completed at the dam.
It is important to note the Army Corps assures us there is no risk of the dam failing. Renters, homeowners, and businesses are advised to review their insurance policies to ensure they are covered for flooding, sewer backup, landslides, sinkholes, and other issues commonly associated with significant rain events.
The following links contain useful information on flooding and related events:
Current Green River Conditions
View current flows and flood stages (King County Flood Warning Center)
View Green River Web Cams
| Flood Phase Information (Alerting Information from the National Weather Service) |
| Phase |
Green River gage at Auburn (measured or expected flow) * |
Description |
Condition |
| 1 |
5,000 c.f.s. |
Internal Alert |
|
| 2 |
9,000 c.f.s. (61.7 ft.) |
Minor Flooding |
Lowland flooding in valley upstream of Auburn. |
| 3 |
12,000 c.f.s. (63.5 ft.) |
Moderate Flooding |
Flooding of varied depths occurs in valley upstream of Auburn and lower Mill Creek basin. SE Green Valley Rd and West Valley Rd may overtop. |
| 4 |
14,000 c.f.s. (64.6 ft.) |
Extreme Flooding |
Levees may exhibit seepage and/or weaken from saturation. |
| * Phase is determined by current Auburn gage reading or the expected flow based on Howard Hanson dam operations information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. |
Receive Warning and Noticiation Messages
Other Emergency Notification
- KIRO Radio: AM 710 or FM 97.3
- Auburn Community Radio: Tune to AM 1700
- Your favorite local TV or Radio station
- NOAA Weather Radio
- City of Auburn on Twitter
Evacuation Routes
In the event of an evacuation due to the Green River flooding, notifications will be made well in advance of flood waters reaching the city. Residents should take routes they are most comfortable with to reach their previously arranged housing location. Those who have not pre-arranged for alternate housing will be directed to emergency shelters. Those shelters will be announced at the time of the event.
The City of Auburn has previously designated evacuation routes that are clearly marked with blue and blue and white "Volcano Evacuation" signs posted throughout the city. All of these routes lead to safer high ground.
Regional roads information (WSDOT)
Sand Bags
Sand bags are available to residents:
| Day |
Hours |
Location |
Comments |
| Thursdays |
12 p.m. until dusk |
Les Gove Community Campus, 12th St. SE and Deals Way |
Sandbag site will be located at the SE corner of the park, accessible from 12th St. SE between Grace Church and the Auburn Library.
|
| Saturdays |
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
Les Gove Community Campus, 12th St. SE and Deals Way |
Sandbag site will be located at the SE corner of the park, accessible from 12th St. SE between Grace Church and the Auburn Library. | Each customer will be limited to 30 bags per trip (approximately a half ton) and will be provided tools and sand to fill their bags. Volunteers will be on-hand as available to help fill and load bags. Groups and individuals interested in volunteering to fill sandbags for the public should contact Emergency Management at 253-876-1925 to schedule a time.
View a Sandbagging Tips video from the Army Corps of Engineers.
Potential Impact Maps
- Map of potential Green River flooding in Auburn (11x17) (Updated 9/2009)
- Map of potential Green River flooding in Auburn (24x36) (Updated 9/2009)
- Levee Easement Map (11 x 17) (Updated 10/2009)
- Regional Flood Scenario Maps (provided by the US Army Corps of Engineers)
Resources
Key Agencies
Flood Insurance
Contact your insurance agency or visit www.floodsmart.gov. Everyone is eligible to purchase flood insurance regardless of whether or not you live in an identified flood plain.
History
Links to Related Press Releases
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