City deploying additional resources
Brian Coddington, Communications Director, 625.6740
Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 3 p.m.
Spokane Mayor David Condon has declared an emergency closing the Spokane River through the city of Spokane, and authorized additional city resources to address localized flooding caused by rising river levels fueled by the wettest winter on record.
Current National Weather Service modeling shows the river will likely crest tonight at nearly 43,000 cubic feet per second. Water levels are expected to remain above flood stage into next week.
“Rising river levels are posing a real threat to public safety so we are imploring people to stay out of the river and to view it only from safe vantage points,” Condon said. “We are also coordinating with emergency management to mobilize additional resources to monitor and address localized flooding.”
Upriver Drive remains closed from Mission Avenue to Greene Street. South Riverton under the Greene Street Bridge and Water Avenue at Ash Street also remains closed. The Spokane Parks Department closed the suspension bridges over the river in the park because of safety concerns and the Centennial Trail under Division Street and the Washington Street couplet because of flooding.
City crews have dropped off sandbags in impacted neighborhoods and are evaluating the need for more. Additionally, crews are monitoring in the Peaceful Valley, Riverview and Iron Bridge areas, and along Upriver Drive for additional flooding impacts. The city last experienced major flooding in 1997.
Although Weather Service modeling currently forecasts that levels will begin to stabilize if the weather remains mild, officials cautioned that additional localized flooding is possible because Spokane is experiencing record soil saturation.
The city is also monitoring low-lying sewer pump stations near flooded areas to ensure ongoing operations. Bridge teams have inspected city bridges for potential impacts caused by rising water levels.
