Flood Warning Issued for Puyallup River, First Since 2015

A flood warning has been issued for the Puyallup River at Puyallup and Orting. Currently, the river is forecast to crest at 27 feet in Puyallup (1 ft above flood stage), and  10 feet in Orting  (1 ft above flood stage). 

Here is the flood graphics from the Northwest River Forecast Center for the Puyallup River at Puyallup and Orting.

Flood Stage: 26.2 ft
Forecast Crest: 27.3 ft

Flood Stage: 9.8 ft
Forecast Crest: Unknown due to higher than likely levels


The flood criteria from the NWS says that at 26.2 feet, the Puyallup River at Puyallup will, "flood low-lying and flood prone areas along the river from just downstream and west of the Meridian bridge in Puyallup...upstream to the east end of Sumner."


At 10 feet, the Puyallup River at Orting will, "flood low lying areas near Orting and along the upper reaches, including along Orville Road East south of Brooks Road, Neadham Road, and the vicinity of the County Subdivision/Tomolla Farm. High flows will also increase the threat of channel migration and bank erosion."
*There is a chance that the Puyallup River at Orting will crest at moderate flood stage, which is around 11 ft. If this happens...roads, residential areas, and pastures from Orting downstream through Sumner.*

Right now, this is only one of many rivers in our area to flood. The White, Carbon, Green, and Cedar are all flooding along with the Puyallup. The White and Carbon Rivers feed the Puyallup, only elevating the flood potential. The White River is flooding areas in Algona, Pacific, and Sumner. It is in moderate flood stage. Be careful around that area.

In a similar scenario in 2015, roads in Puyallup that were closed were 4th St and Levee Rd under the Meridian bridge. In Orting & Puyallup, expect low lying roads near the river to flood and possibly close.

If you have any questions or comments about this flood event, I encourage you to comment below.