Posted on Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Naches River could be on the rise
By MARK MOREY
Yakima Herald-Republic

 

This week's combination of snow, rain and warming temperatures may bring another unwelcome weather phenomenon to the Yakima Valley: high water on the Naches River.

Forecasters are predicting that the Naches may rise near "action stage" -- that point where residents and authorities start monitoring conditions more closely -- by Thursday.

No major problems are expected, but the county's emergency management director said he would be watching a couple of hot spots along State Route 410 and in the Gleed area where water is eroding the bank.

A change in the channel could send water toward some houses, said Jim Hall, director of the Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management.

But a drop in the temperature could alter the forecast enough to diminish any concerns. Monday's highs, for example, stayed a few degrees under the forecast temperature of 37, Hall said.

For today, the National Weather Service was calling for a 50 percent chance of rain in the Yakima area. That percentage drops to 20 for Wednesday, then increases to 50 percent again through Wednesday night and Thursday.

Temperatures are expected to range between 45 degrees and 31 degrees through Thursday.

Friday will be sunny, with no precipitation in the forecast.

Snoqualmie Pass fully reopened shortly after 8 p.m. Monday after snow and avalanche risk forced closure of the state's main east-west route since late Sunday.

Occasionally heavy rain will hit the pass today and Wednesday, according to the forecast from the state Department of Transportation.

 

010509_tj_snowblower_web
TJ MULLINAX/Yakima Herald-Republic
Dick Bergstrom clears the snow from his driveway in Selah, Wash. Jan. 5, 2009. The snowfall has ended for the next few days with rain showers forcast for Wed. Jan. 7th. TJ MULLINAX/Yakima Herald-Republic

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