Frequently Asked Questions

About this application

The King County Flood Warning web application provides provisional data downloaded from United State Geological Survey (USGS) stream gauges, Northwest River Forecast Center, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts. Gauge data is generally updated every 10 minutes (source data updates may vary).

The application was funded by the King County Flood Control District (District) and developed by King County as service provider. The District provides funding to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to support the operation and maintenance of river and stream gauges and related systems.

How can I use the King County Flood Warning System?

The web application helps you stay informed about river conditions for seven rivers and Issaquah Creek. It includes features such as interactive graphs, forecasts, and links to important resources to help prepare for potential flooding events.

How can I install this website as an app onto my device?

You can install the website so it works like an app on your phone, tablet, or computer. Check out the installation guide for easy steps based on your device.

How can I get notifications about changing flood conditions?

Sign up for e-mail, voice, or text alerts from King County Flood Alerts. For most rivers, Flood Alerts provides at least two hours lead time before floodwaters reach damaging levels. You can sign up to receive alerts for the rivers and flood phase levels that interest you.

King County has contracted with the vendor Konexus for message delivery. E-mail and text messages will come from msg@mail1.alertsense.com - you may need to add this address to your "allowed sender" list or adjust spam-blockers to receive the alerts. Phone messages will come from 206-296-8200.

You can also use our webpage to create an emergency plan for your household. Work with your neighbors and community to create a plan to help each other during flooding and other natural disasters.

Who can I contact if I need help understanding the flood data on the app?

Contact the King County Flood Warning Center at 206-296-8200 or 800-945-9263. When activated due to a flood event, staff at the Center can answer questions, interpret gauge information, direct you to sandbag locations, and provide updated information about problem areas and evacuations.

When there is no flooding, the Flood Warning Center phone number can be used to find out current river flow data, information about sandbags, background technical information and to connect to the King County staff during business hours.

You can also use our webpage to create an emergency plan for your household. Work with your neighbors and community to create a plan to help each other during flooding and other natural disasters.

What is a CFS and why is it the measurement for water flow?

The flow rate or discharge equal to one cubic foot of water per second. The number of CFS (Cubic Feet per Second) is a measure of the volume of water passing a specific point each second of time. The value is determined by multiplying the cross-sectional area of the stream, in square feet, times the speed or velocity of the water, in feet per second. One cubic foot is about the size of a basketball.

What does a river's trend mean?

The calculated rate of change of the most recent gauge data value compared to the data value from one hour earlier.

Where can I find information about translation and notice of accommodations?

English:
Interpretation and translation services are available to you at no cost. If you need them, please contact us 206-296-8200.

Spanish: Español
Hay servicios de interpretación y traducción disponibles para usted, sin costo. Si los necesita, por favor, contáctenos al 206-296-8200.

Traditional Chinese: 繁體中文
我們可免費為您提供口譯和翻譯服務。如果您需要口譯和翻譯服務，請致電 206-296-8200與我們聯絡。

Vietnamese: Tiếng Việt
Các dịch vụ phiên dịch và biên dịch được cung cấp miễn phí cho quý vị. Nếu quý vị cần các dịch vụ này, vui lòng liên hệ với chúng tôi theo số điện thoại 206-296-8200.

Somali: Af Soomaali
Adeegyo fasiraad iyo turjumaad ayaa la helayaa oo aysan wax lacag ahi kaaga baxayn. Haddii aad u baahan tahay iyaga, fadlan nagala soo xiriir 206-296-8200.

Russian:
Услуги устного и письменного перевода предлагаются вам бесплатно. Если вы нуждаетесь в них, пожалуйста, свяжитесь с нами по телефону 206-296-8200.

Korean:
통역 및 번역 서비스를 무료로 이용하실 수 있습니다. 필요하신 분들은 206-296-8200로 문의해 주시기 바랍니다.

How can I provide app feedback?

Please email wlrfloodc@kingcounty.gov to provide app feedback. This email box is monitored during business hours Monday-Friday.