Spring’s late arrival, which has kept snow longer in the lower elevations, is expected to lead to higher streamflows this spring and summer as it melts off.
Below average temperatures and below average precipitation have prevented the usual spring snowmelt from all but the lowest elevation areas.
Record snowpack is being recorded at many stations across the state.
But despite the snowpack, the high temperatures forecast for today and Saturday — as high as 84 degrees in Port Angeles and 87 in Brinnon-Quilcene — aren’t expected to cause flooding.
“I think we’re going to see higher streamflows,” said Clallam County Emergency Management Director Bob Martin on Thursday afternoon.
“I just checked the gauge stations, and they certainly are rising, but they aren’t near dangerous levels.”
Flooding is more likley when a high snowpack and warm temperatures are combined with rainfall, which isn’t in the forecast, he said.
“The U.S. Geological Survey has people who do flood forecasting, and they will monitor and give warnings if rivers are expected to reach flood stage,” Martin said.
“I’ll be watching too.”
Much of eastern Washington is under a flood watch.
“Right now, there are no flood warnings or watches for any streams on the North Olympic Peninsula,” Martin said.
“But obviously that could change.”
Even without flooding, those on the rivers should take care during higher flows, Martin said.,
“More streamflow means more current, so people alongside should be careful.”
