Welcome
Kittitas County Public Works Annual Flood Newsletter
2013 323 KB
Kittitas County Public Works Annual Flood Newsletter
2012 2 MB
Be Prepared for Flooding
Even though forecasters are unsure of what weather pattern we should expect during the winter season,
one thing is for sure, flooding is always a threat in Kittitas County. The combination of excessive
precipitation and higher than normal temperatures can cause tributaries of the Yakima River to rise,
damaging bridges, land, roads and structures as they flow downstream. Kittitas County is vulnerable
to “rain-on-snow” events, which is when heavy precipitation falls on snow causing the snow to rapidly
melt. Ice jams in tributaries and the Yakima River can cause the flooding to be even more severe. Ice
jams in canals and ditches can cause flooding in areas that may have never flooded before.
Floodplain Development Permits are required
prior to beginning any work on improved or unimproved real estate within the 100-year
floodplain. This includes, but is not limited to, buildings or other structures,
mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or
storage of equipment or materials located within the areas of special flood hazard.
For more information, call Kittitas County Public Works at 509-962-7523.