Press Release, Whatcom County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), 01/08/09

Flooding continues throughout the lowlands of Whatcom County as the Nooksack River appears to be close to cresting at Ferndale.  At 3:45 p.m., the flood gage at Ferndale registered 22.57 feet, slightly more than 3.5 feet above flood stage.  The National Weather Service predicts that the river will crest at Ferndale at 22.73 feet at 10:00 p.m. today (Thursday), and that it will remain above flood stage for another day beyond the time it crests.  This lengthy period of time during which the river is above flood stage means that roads in lowland areas in the lower Nooksack basin will continue to be flooded, and that river levees will be subject to considerable pressure until river levels recede to normal, increasing the risk of levee failure.  Whatcom County Public Works crews continue to monitor the status of the river and the condition of levees in order to provide up-to-date response and information.

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Media Contact:
Daniel Gibson
Joint EOC PIO
360-398-1705