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Green River and Howard Hanson Dam Information

Green River Flood ButtonThe 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
Phase Green River gage at Auburn (measured or expected flow) * Description Condition
1 5,000 c.f.s. Internal Alert  
2 7,000 c.f.s. Minor Flooding Lowland flooding in valley upstream of Auburn.
3 9,000 c.f.s. 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 12,000 c.f.s. 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:

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 12 p.m. until dusk.
    • Les Gove Community Campus, 12th St. SE and Deals Way (between Grace Community Church and the Auburn Library). Sandbags will be located at the SE corner of the park, accessible from 12th St. SE.
  • Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at two locations.
    • Les Gove Community Campus, 12th St. SE and Deals Way (between Grace Community Church and the Auburn Library). Sandbags will be located at the SE corner of the park, accessible from 12th Street.

    • Fulmer Field, 5th and K St. NE. Sandbags will be located in the parking lot.

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

Resources

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

CONTACT


Emergency Management
340 E Main St., Suite 201
Auburn WA 98001
Phone: 253-876-1925
Fax: 253-939-7769

Related


Auburn Lahar Evacuation (PDF)

EmPrep-Auburn_Alert_Logo

(must have an address within the Auburn city limits to register)