NOAA Current Watches-WA

ESFPDT Synopsis: Rain and high mountain snow from and multiple systems this weekend and early next week will lead to rising water levels on area streams and rivers. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 5 inches are expected in the Cascades and 1 to 3 inches in the eastern Oregon mountains. In addition, temperatures will be rising to the 40s and lower 50s in the mountains which will lead to snow melt adding even more water to area rivers and streams. The National Water Model is highlighting high water on numerous smaller streams and creeks, but streamflow amounts are generally only slightly higher than high water thresholds. What: Precipitation fed by an atmospheric river and snow melt due to warmer temperatures this weekend into early next week will lead to rises on area creeks, streams and rivers. Rivers are low enough so that most rivers will remain below bankfull. However, the Walla Walla River at Touchet and the Naches River at Cliffdell are expected to exceed bankfull late Sunday night before receding Monday and Tuesday. Another concern will be rapid rises on smaller streams and creeks due to heavier downpours and snowmelt. This could lead to debris flows on recent burn scars and over steep terrain. The Walla Walla River at Touchet has a 44 percent chance of exceeding bankfull but less than a 5 percent chance of reaching minor flood stage. It is expected to reach bankfull late Sunday evening and remain there through Tuesday morning. The Naches River at Cliffdell has a 29 percent chance of exceeding bankfull but less than a 5 percent chance of reaching minor flood stage. It is expected to reach bankfull late Sunday evening and remain there until dropping below bankfull Monday afternoon. The Klickitat River at Pitt is forecast remain below bankfull, but model probabilities give it a 13 percent chance of rising above bankfull and a 9 percent chance of reaching minor flood stage. All other river forecast points have a less than a 10 percent chance of exceeding bankfull. When: Rain will begin tonight and continue through Monday with the heaviest rain expected Saturday night and Sunday. Where: The Upper and Lower East Slopes of the Washington and Oregon Cascades, The Simcoe Highlands, The Northern and Southern Blue Mountains, The Blue Mountain Foothills of Washington and Oregon, Wallowa County and the Grande Ronde Valley. This Hydrologic Outlook will be updated as needed due to changing conditions.

* WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. * WHERE...Central Coast and North Coast. * WHEN...From 10 AM to 7 PM PST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

* WHAT...Visibility of one-quarter mile or less in freezing fog. * WHERE...Foothills of the Blue Mountains of Washington. * WHEN...Until 3 PM PST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous.

ESFSEW A series of storms will begin to impact western Washington on Friday and continue through Tuesday. The next storm on Saturday will have heavy rain at times as will a third storm right on its heels Sunday. Precipitation amounts could be 3 to 5 inches storm total with locally heavier amounts, and snow levels rising above 7000 feet. With moderate temperatures now and warmer temperatures to come, this will also result in some snow melt at low to mid elevations. These factors will combine to result in a potential for river flooding. The most likely areas for river flooding will be for rivers flowing off of the Cascades and Olympics. Urban and small stream nuisance flooding and rainfall-induced shallow landslides will also be possible. Please monitor the latest river forecasts from the National Weather Service for additional information.

ESFOTX Where: Spokane, Whitman, Asotin, and Garfield Counties in Washington. Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah, Latah, Nez Perce, and Lewis Counties in Idaho. What: An atmospheric river will deliver warm, rainy, and breezy weather to the region this weekend into early next week. High temperatures Sunday and Monday will warm into the upper 40s to low 50s. Additionally, rainfall amounts of 0.60 to 1.25 inches in the lowlands and 1 to 2 inches in the mountains are currently forecasted. Rapid lowland snowmelt will lead to rises on area creeks, streams, and rivers. Paradise Creek in Moscow is currently forecasted to reach Minor Flood Stage Sunday morning. Hangman Creek in Spokane, Little Spokane River at Dartford, and South Fork Palouse River at Pullman are forecasted to rise to near bankfull conditions on Sunday. Minor field flooding and ponding of water in areas of poor or clogged drainage will also be a concern. When: Beginning Saturday evening and continuing through Monday. Heaviest rainfall will occur in two rounds: Saturday night into Sunday morning and Sunday afternoon into early Monday. Monitor the latest weather and river forecasts from the National Weather Service at weather.gov/Spokane or water.noaa.gov/wfo/otx.

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of northwest and west central Washington, including the following counties, in northwest Washington, Grays Harbor and Skagit. In west central Washington, King, Lewis, Pierce, Snohomish and Thurston. * WHEN...From Sunday morning through late Tuesday night. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. Landslide risk will also increase through this period. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A series of storms via an atmospheric river will produce periods of rain, heavy at times, over western Washington from Friday into Tuesday. The heaviest of the rain will be concentrated over the Olympics and Cascades, where rain totals through this period will range from 3 to 5 inches, with locally higher amounts possible. Snow levels will increase to above 7,000 feet Saturday evening. These conditions could result in flooding in a number of rivers. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

...The National Weather Service in Seattle WA has issued a Flood Warning for the following rivers in Washington... Skokomish River At Potlatch affecting Mason County. .Heavy rain over the south slopes of the Olympics through the weekend, with amounts of 4 to 6 inches predicted. Snow levels will rise to near 7000 feet. This combination will drive the Skokomish River above flood stage Saturday. * WHAT...Moderate flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Skokomish River at Potlatch. * WHEN...From Saturday evening until further notice. * IMPACTS...At 16.5 feet, the Skokomish River will cause widespread flooding of pasture lands, with water flowing quickly over West Bourgault Road and Skokomish Valley Road. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 9:30 AM PST Friday the stage was 15.0 feet. - Flood stage is 16.5 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage Saturday evening. The river will crest around 17.8 feet late this weekend, and remain above flood stage well into next week. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

* WHAT...Visibility of one-quarter mile or less in freezing fog. * WHERE...Lower Columbia Basin of Washington and Foothills of the Blue Mountains of Washington. * WHEN...Until 11 AM PST this morning. * IMPACTS...Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous.

Dense freezing fog with visibilities of a half mile or less has developed along US 12 and is spreading through the Walla Walla valley this morning. The dense fog is expected to persist through this morning, with impacts expected to the morning commute.

Dense freezing fog with visibilities of a half mile or less will continue to impact portions of the Yakima valley through this morning. The densest fog has been observed along I-82 between Parker and Grandview, and is expected to bring impacts to the morning commute.

Dense freezing fog with visibilities of a half mile or less will continue to impact portions of the Washington Columbia Basin through this morning. The densest fog has been observed from Grandview to the Tri-Cities, including across the Hanford area. Morning commutes along I-82, US-395, route 240, and in the Tri- Cities area may be impacted.

ESFPQR An series of frontal systems will bring heavy rainfall to northwest Oregon and southwest Washington this weekend. Rain will begin Saturday afternoon, and intensify overnight through Sunday. This will lead to rises on rivers and creeks, especially along the coast on February 22nd through the 23rd. Main stem rivers may be delayed to respond, and flooding may occur beyond this time frame. There is around a 20-25% chance of the Wilson River, the Grays River, and other localized quick responding coastal rivers of reaching minor flood stage on Sunday. Confidence in flooding is low as the location of heaviest precipitation will greatly depend on where the warm front sets up. In the case that this system over performs, more widespread flooding is possible. Heavy rainfall along the Cascades is expected and combined with recent snow accumulation, there is elevated landslide risk. Heavy rainfall may also lead to ponding of water, general lowland flooding, and localized urban flooding, especially in low-lying areas or other poor-drainage areas. Heavy rainfall will also increase the potential for landslides in areas of steep terrain and debris flows over areas that have been burned by wildfires over the past few years. Shifts in the forecast storm track can change the outlook and probabilities for river flooding, so be sure to monitor weather.gov/portland for the latest weather updates, as well as any watches, warnings, or advisories that may be issued. To view the latest river forecasts, visit water.noaa.gov/wfo/pqr.

* WHAT...Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense freezing fog. * WHERE...Rockford, Hayden, Post Falls, Davenport, Cheney, Spokane Valley, Othello, Downtown Spokane, Ephrata, Moses Lake, Quincy, Airway Heights, Fairfield, Worley, and Coeur d'Alene. * WHEN...Until 9 AM PST this morning. * IMPACTS...Low visibility and freezing fog will result in slick and hazardous driving conditions.

Patchy fog has developed between Yakima and Prosser. The fog will persist into the nighttime hours. Use low-beam headlights when driving and slow down when encountering fog.

ESFPDT What: The precipitation and snow melt will lead to rises on area creeks, streams and rivers. Rivers are low enough that only the Naches River at Cliffdell is expected to exceed bankfull early Monday for a few hours and only by a few inches. However, with the heavier periods of rain and snow melt, rapid rises will be possible on smaller streams and creeks as well. Further rises on streams and creeks will be a concern through the weekend into early next week. When: Rain will be ending tonight though more systems will bring rain Friday night through Monday. Where: The Upper and Lower East Slopes of the Washington and Oregon Cascades, The Simcoe Highlands, The Northern and Southern Blue Mountains, The Blue Mountain Foothills of Washington and Oregon, Wallowa County and the Grande Ronde Valley. Synopsis: Rain and high mountain snow in the last 24 hours and multiple systems this weekend and early next week will lead to rising water levels on area streams and rivers. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are expected in the Cascades and 1 to 2 inches in the eastern Oregon mountains. In addition, temperatures will be rising to the 40s and even lower 50s in the mountains which will lead to snow melt adding even more water to rivers and streams. At this point, the Naches River at Cliffdell is expected to barely reach action stage for several hours early Monday before receding. Other rivers in the Cascades and eastern Oregon mountains are forecast to approach but stay below action stage. Rises will also be possible on smaller streams and creeks. This Hydrologic Outlook will be updated as needed due to changing conditions.

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...A portion of northwest Washington, including the following county, Mason. * WHEN...From Saturday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A series of storm systems will impact the Olympics starting Friday and lasting through Tuesday with the bulk of the heaviest rain Saturday and Sunday. 4 to 6 inches are possible during that period alone with 3 to 8 inches storm total possible. In addition, snow levels will rise to 6000 feet resulting in most precipitation falling as snow and adding snow melt to the rainfall. Moderate flooding is possible on the Skokomish River. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

ESFSEW A series of storms will begin to impact western Washington on Friday and continue through Tuesday. The next storm on Saturday will have heavy rain at times as will a third storm right on its heels Sunday. Precipitation amounts could be 3 to 8 inches storm total with snow levels rising above 6000 feet. With moderate temperatures now and warmer temperatures to come, this will also result in a some snow melt at low to mid elevations. These factors will combine to result in a potential for river flooding. At this time the most likely flood severity will be minor flooding.There is also a Flood Watch out for Mason County, including the potential for moderate flooding on the Skokomish River. The most likely areas for river flooding will be for rivers flowing off of the central and southern Washington Cascades, the Olympics, and in southwest Washington. Urban and small stream nuisance flooding and rainfall-induced shallow landslides will also be possible. Please monitor the latest river forecasts from the National Weather Service for additional information.

ESFPQR An series of frontal systems will bring heavy rainfall to northwest Oregon and southwest Washington this weekend. Rain will begin Saturday afternoon, and intensify overnight through Sunday. This will lead to rises on rivers and creeks, especially along the coast on February 22nd through the 23rd. Main stem rivers may be delayed to respond, and flooding may occur beyond this time frame. There is around a 25% chance of the Wilson River, the Grays River, and other localized quick responding coastal rivers of reaching minor flood stage on Sunday. Confidence in flooding is low as the location of heaviest precipitation will greatly depend on where the warm front sets up. In the case that this system over performs, more widespread flooding is possible. Along the Cascades heavy rainfall is expected. Heavy rain combined with recent snow will elevate the landslide risk. Heavy rainfall may also lead to ponding of water, general lowland flooding, and localized urban flooding, especially in low-lying areas or other poor-drainage areas. Heavy rainfall will also increase the potential for landslides in areas of steep terrain and debris flows over areas that have been burned by wildfires over the past few years. Shifts in the forecast storm track can change the outlook and probabilities for river flooding, so be sure to monitor weather.gov/portland for the latest weather updates, as well as any watches, warnings, or advisories that may be issued. To view the latest river forecasts, visit water.noaa.gov/wfo/pqr.

ESFOTX Where: Spokane, Whitman, Asotin, and Garfield Counties in Washington. Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah, Latah, Nez Perce, and Lewis Counties in Idaho. What: An atmospheric river will deliver warm, rainy, and breezy weather to the region this weekend into early next week. High temperatures Sunday and Monday will warm into the upper 40s to low 50s. Additionally, rainfall amounts of 0.60 to 1.25 inches in the lowlands and 1 to 2 inches in the mountains are currently forecasted. Rapid lowland snowmelt will lead to rises on area creeks, streams, and rivers. Paradise Creek in Moscow is currently forecasted to reach Minor Flood Stage Sunday morning. Hangman Creek in Spokane, Little Spokane River at Dartford, and South Fork Palouse River at Pullman are forecasted to rise to near bankfull conditions on Sunday. Minor field flooding and ponding of water in areas of poor or clogged drainage will also be a concern. When: Beginning Saturday evening and continuing through Monday. Heaviest rainfall will occur in two rounds: Saturday night into Sunday morning and Sunday afternoon into early Monday. Monitor the latest weather and river forecasts from the National Weather Service at weather.gov/Spokane or water.noaa.gov/wfo/otx.

* WHAT...Visibility as low as one-quarter mile in freezing fog. * WHERE...Yakima Valley. * WHEN...Until 1 PM PST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous.