A series of unusually powerful atmospheric rivers hit the Pacific Northwest this week, leading Mount Rainier National Park to warn visitors about flood impacts. The park reported on their social media that rivers and streams are filled with debris-laden water that lapped at bridges and pooled on roads.
“These minor impacts do not begin to approach the severe flooding many were hit with throughout the state,” noted the park. “Our thoughts go out to everyone impacted by these storms.”
The park is urging visitors to reconsider any activities near or within river corridors.
- Crossing footbridges when covered with water, could result in being washed off the bridge or hit by debris such as sticks and logs.
- Low water temperatures and rocky riverbeds are hazards if hikers are washed into the river.
- Typically, water rises later in the day due to melting upstream, but crossing early may mean encountering high water or, possibly a washed-out bridge, on your return.
Be geohazard aware
Intense rainfall over glacial valleys—where loose, unconsolidated sediment is abundant—can trigger debris flows. These fast-moving flows of water, mud, rocks, and other material can travel far downstream from its source.
If you are near a river:
- Know your evacuation route before entering a channel.
- If you hear upstream rumbling, feel ground shaking, or see a sudden rise in river level, move immediately to high ground (at least 50 m / 160 ft above the river).
- Crossing rivers at this time is not recommended, but if you must cross early in the morning when flows are typically lowest.
- Consider that water levels might rise, or bridges could wash out before your return crossing.
Learn more about geohazards: https://go.usa.gov/xFzBM
