Flood history in Chehalis, Washington
{{Short description|Reoccurring weather event in Washington, United States}}
{{Infobox recurring event
| name = Flooding in Chehalis, Washington
| nickname =
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| image = File:I5LewisFlooding.jpg
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| caption = Floodwaters over Interstate 5, Great Costal Gale of 2007
| status =
| genre = Natural disaster
| frequency = Multiple events per decade
| location = Chehalis, Washington
| coordinates = {{coord|46|39|36|N|122|57|48|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
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| last = {{Start date and age|2023|12}}
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The city of Chehalis is located in Washington state and rests upon the Chehalis River. Due to the city's location in the Chehalis Valley along with the nearby confluences of the Newaukum River south of Chehalis and the Skookumchuck River in neighboring Centralia, the community has suffered from numerous floods. Some floods have occurred resulting from overflows of creeks and minor tributaries in the Chehalis river basin, and severe cresting of the Cowlitz River has occasionally led to flooding in the Chehalis area.
The flood stage levels of the Chehalis, Newaukum, and Skookumchuck have fluctuated upwards historically, based on the height of dikes, levees, and floodplain surveys. Water inundation from heavy rains and excessive snowmelt has led to a considerable number of historic flooding events in the twin cities of Centralia and Chehalis.
Accounts of floods are traced as far back as early Native American settlement and since the beginnings of the city of Chehalis. Most floods occur between November and February, with only one minor event, in April 1991, occurring after March.{{efn|An hour-long downpour of over {{convert|2|in|mm}} occurred on the evening of August 23, 1964, leading to standing water into the next morning at the fairgrounds and over several roads. Despite the state fair being interrupted, there were no reports of major damage and the watershed was unaffected.{{cite news |title=Cloudburst - Storm Floods Twin Cities |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1963/08-24/page-1 |access-date=December 2, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=August 24, 1963 |page=1}}}} The 20th century recorded over two dozen notable flooding events in and around the Chehalis community.
Flood causes
Due to the flat topography of the Chehalis River watershed in the city, and a clay stratum under a thin layer of river soil, excess water is difficult to shed off the land or absorb into the ground. Successive floods can add {{Convert|1 to 4|in|cm|abbr=on}} of additional sediment, further limiting how much water can enter the ground in future floods.{{cite news |last1=Pfiefer |first1=Larissa |title=Flood meeting swamped |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1996/05-02 |access-date=June 20, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=May 2, 1996 |pages=A1, A10}} The rate of fall of the Chehalis River in the Twin Cities drops from a maximum {{convert|40|ft|m|1}} per mile in the Willapa Hills down to approximately {{convert|3|ft|m|1}} per mile.
{{As of|2024}}, the flood stage for the Chehalis is set at {{convert|65|ft|m|1}}, the Newaukum River at {{convert|10.5|ft|m|1}}, and the Skookumchuck's mark at {{convert|85|ft|m|1}}. A water flow between {{Convert|38800 to 75099|cuft|m3|abbr=on}} per second is a marker for a major flood event on the Chehalis compared to an average annual maximum of {{Convert|20000|cuft|m3|abbr=on}} per second.{{Cite web |title=USGS 12027500 CHEHALIS RIVER NEAR GRAND MOUND, WA |url=https://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?cb_00060=on&format=gif_stats&site_no=12027500&legacy=1&period=&begin_date=2011-01-01&end_date=2020-12-31 |access-date=June 26, 2024 |publisher=United States Geological Survey}} Combined with the conjunction of the Skookumchuck and Newaukum rivers, the Chehalis Valley gathers floodwaters similar to a lake.{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Deluges |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1999/05-22/page-47 |access-date=June 18, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=May 22, 1999 |page=11}} Approximately 70% of the city limits of Chehalis is situated in the floodplain.
File:Pacific Coast Condensed Milk Co, Chehalis (CURTIS 292).jpeg
Human activities, such as upstream logging in the Chehalis River basin, have caused floods to become more severe. Clearcut logging has resulted in numerous landslides containing logs, mud, and silt that lead to congested areas, log jams, and large amounts of debris in area waterways. An increase in floodplain development and the use of fill has also been cited as a major cause to the augmented intensity of floods in the late-20th and early-21st centuries. Local government and city officials have stated that due to the large footprint of the Chehalis floodplain, fill and development have little to no effect on the severity of floods.{{cite news |title=Building, Logging May Contribute to Flooding |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/building-logging-may-contribute-to-flooding,205300? |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |agency=Associated Press |publisher=The Seattle Times |date=December 10, 2007}}
The risk of flooding at a level that used to constitute a 100-year flood, meaning there was a 1% chance of it occurring in any year, had increased by 33% between the 1980s and 2010s.{{cite press release |title=State works to mitigate flood damage, restore fish habitats in Chehalis River basin |url=https://medium.com/wagovernor/state-works-to-mitigate-flood-damage-restore-fish-habitats-in-chehalis-river-basin-bfad22bf0f |access-date=June 19, 2024 |work=Medium |publisher=Washington State governor's Office |date=June 2, 2017}} In addition to logging and development, climate change plays a role in increasing flood risk by delivering more precipitation to upstream areas.{{Cite web |title=Flood impacts - Washington State Department of Ecology |url=https://ecology.wa.gov/Air-Climate/Responding-to-climate-change/Flood-impacts |access-date=2024-06-20 |website=ecology.wa.gov}} Estimations from a 2022 climate study group that included the Office of the Chehalis Basin and the University of Washington show the Chehalis River and the surrounding watershed can be expected to experience 14 major floods every century due to a warming climate, the expectations were more than doubled, reaching a rate of 45 floods per 100 years by the mid-to-late 21st century.
Native American flood history
Historical accounts and spiritual lessons passed down through the history of Native American people living in and around the Chehalis River tell of major floods in the basin. Chronicles of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe speak of floods that reached the pinnacle of Mount St. Helens leading to the beginnings of the tribe. The Chehalis people have traditional stories of floods that led to the transformation of humans and animals and how they interacted between one another and their habitat.{{cite news |author1=Julie McDonald |author2=Edna Fund |title=From Native American Legends to 2007: A History of Flooding in the Chehalis River Basin |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/from-native-american-legends-to-2007-a-history-of-flooding-in-the-chehalis-river-basin,21216? |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 6, 2017 |quote=Article a copy from the book "The Flood of 2007: Disaster and Survival on the Chehalis River" |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726205053/https://www.chronline.com/stories/from-native-american-legends-to-2007-a-history-of-flooding-in-the-chehalis-river-basin,21216 |url-status=live }}
Flood events in the 19th century
One of the first non-Native visitors to the area, botanist David Douglas, recorded several floods and highwater troubles during an expedition in 1825. Early settlers in the 1850s reported consistent flooding between the Skookumchuck and the Saundersville settlement, eventually known as the city of Chehalis. The area was considered at times to be a {{convert|4|mi|adj=on}}-wide lake, and the site of the future fairgrounds was known as "Wet Prairie".{{cite news |last1=Mittge |first1=Brian |title=Fifteen Years Ago Today, the Deluge of 1996 Walloped the Twin Cities and Became Known as The Flood of Record (Until 2007) |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/fifteen-years-ago-today-the-deluge-of-1996-walloped-the-twin-cities-and-became-known-as-the-flood,168173 |access-date=June 13, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 8, 2011}}
Local residents also reported high floodwaters occurring often during the 1860s, including in the winter of 1865.{{cite book |last1=McDonald Zander |first1=Julie |title=Images of America - Chehalis |date=2011 |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |isbn=9780738576039 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NaVwkcPhFwEC |access-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204214705/https://books.google.com/books?id=NaVwkcPhFwEC |url-status=live }}{{rp|45}} A floodwater occurrence that affected the city and the Chehalis Valley, known locally as the great flood of 1867, involved the overflow of the Cowlitz River. The first bridge constructed over the Chehalis River was washed away by a log jam during a flood in 1882; the passage was rebuilt the next year.{{rp|21}} A flood in December 1887 was stated to have been due in part to heavy rains after a dry summer. Two Chehalis residents died and some local areas were underwater by as much as {{convert|6|ft|m|1}}. River traffic, sawmill operations, and railroads were delayed.
File:Alexander Park (Chehalis) 02.jpg
Floods occurred in four consecutive years in the 1890s. Both the Chehalis and Newaukum rivers overflowed in mid-January 1895 as heavy rains combined with melting snow. The flood, {{convert|2|ft|m|1}} higher than a flood the prior year, covered various rail lines. Several lower elevation areas of the city were underwater, forcing some evacuations. The event was considered the worst since 1867 though no major damage was reported.{{cite news |title=Flood at Chehalis |url=https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85042448/1895-01-15/ed-1/seq-1 |access-date=February 24, 2025 |work=The Dalles Chronicle |date=January 15, 1895 |page=1}} A smaller flood damaged a railroad track in November 1896.{{cite news |title=Tacoma Completely Cut Off |url=https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83045604/1896-11-17/ed-1/seq-2 |access-date=February 24, 2025 |work=The Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=November 17, 1896 |page=2}} Two back-to-back minor floods occurred in December 1897, severely damaging nearby bridges, including a railroad bridge in Claquato. Between the Twin Cities, the pair of events washed out a plank road and covered the Northern Pacific rail line in {{convert|2|ft|m|1}} of water.{{cite news |title=Highest Water For Years |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VD9UAAAAIBAJ |access-date=April 24, 2024 |work=The Chehalis Bee |date=December 31, 1897 |page=2 |archive-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424200825/https://books.google.com/books?id=VD9UAAAAIBAJ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Tracks Under Water |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/michigan/bessemer/bessemer-herald/1898/01-15/page-12 |access-date=September 25, 2024 |work=Bessemer Herald |date=January 15, 1898 |page=12}} The second flood was caused by a combination of {{convert|14|in|cm}} of rain over a four-day period and melting snow.{{cite news |title=Rivers Overflow |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/indiana/logansport/logansport-reporter/1897/12-30/page-1 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=Logansport Daily Reporter |date=December 30, 1897 |page=1}}
Flood events from 1900 to 1949
=1900s=
The city was cut off and lost electricity during a flood in January 1903, caused by heavy rain and snowmelt; the flood mark was {{convert|4|in|cm}} below the 1897 events.{{cite news |title=Waters Raged |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RENUAAAAIBAJ |access-date=April 24, 2024 |work=The Chehalis Bee-Nugget |date=January 9, 1903 |page=1 |archive-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424202405/https://books.google.com/books?id=RENUAAAAIBAJ |url-status=live }} A large episode of rising waters, given the name the Schoumacher Flood after a man who was stranded for threes days,{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Pat |title=History of floods a part of this community |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2006/11-11/page-3 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=November 11, 2006 |page=3 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426092943/https://newspaperarchive.com/centralia-chronicle-nov-11-2006-p-3/ |url-status=live }} occurred in 1906 as the Cowlitz River affected the area, again cutting off the city. Mail and railroad service were suspended for days and the flood of the Cowlitz considered worse than the 1867 flood.{{cite news |title=High Water Here |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hUhUAAAAIBAJ |access-date=April 24, 2024 |work=The Chehalis Bee-Nugget |date=November 16, 1906 |page=1 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426092944/https://books.google.com/books?id=hUhUAAAAIBAJ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Travel Paralyzed |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hkhUAAAAIBAJ |access-date=April 24, 2024 |work=The Chehalis Bee-Nugget |date=November 23, 1906 |page=1 |archive-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424202402/https://books.google.com/books?id=hkhUAAAAIBAJ |url-status=live }}
Factory areas and parts of the Pennsylvania Avenue-West Side Historic District suffered flooding in January 1909 after continuous rain and snowmelt caused the Chehalis to rise {{convert|19|ft|m|1}} above its low water mark; residents could only move about by boat.{{cite news |title=Chehalis River Causes Trouble |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1909/01-21/page-1 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=Centralia Daily Chronicle |date=January 21, 1909 |page=1 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426092941/https://newspaperarchive.com/centralia-daily-chronicle-jan-21-1909-p-1/ |url-status=live }} A record-setting event followed that November and was due to the excess rise of the Chehalis and Newaukum rivers which led to landslides, the inundation of the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds, and caused significant economic losses to lumber milling in the city.{{rp|55}}
=1910s=
A year later in November 1910 a flood similar to the 1909 event was significant enough to come close to breaking the new records. Again due to heavy rains and the overflow of both rivers, the waters also inundated the fairgrounds where the local rail tracks were covered and a small mudslide occurred. The event shut down gas service to the city for a small time.{{cite news |title=Southwest Washington Visited By Heavy Storm The Past Week |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wHs9AAAAIBAJ |access-date=December 12, 2023 |work=The Chehalis Bee-Nugget |date=November 25, 1910 |page=1 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116201154/https://books.google.com/books?id=wHs9AAAAIBAJ |url-status=live }} The fairgrounds were underwater during an overflow of nearby Coal and Salzer creeks in mid-January 1912.{{cite news |title=Gathered by the Wayside |url=https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84022770/1912-01-26/ed-1/seq-3 |access-date=March 4, 2025 |work=Washington Standard |date=January 26, 1912 |page=3}} A minor flood in early January 1914, due to continuous rainfall, caused the outage of the Twin City Railroad between Centralia and Chehalis.{{cite news |title=North Coast Is Rain Paralyzed |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/wisconsin/la-crosse/la-crosse-tribune/1914/01-07/page-5 |access-date=October 2, 2024 |work=La Crosse Tribune |date=January 7, 1914 |page=5}}
In December 1915, the city was hit by a flood from a storm reported by the Chehalis Bee-Nugget newspaper as the "Worst in City’s History". The Chehalis and Skookumchuck rivers overflowed and additional rain a few days later caused the banks of the Cowlitz River to be overwhelmed. Damages were reported as limited with no loss of life, but a backup of sewer lines affected parts of the city. The Twin City Railroad could not operate. Similar to other past floods, mills and factories were closed, rail lines were inoperable, and the fairgrounds were covered in water.{{rp|55}}{{cite news |title=Heavy Rains Brings Highest Water Known Here In Years |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RYZLAAAAIBAJ |access-date=April 24, 2024 |work=The Chehalis Bee-Nugget |date=December 24, 1915 |page=1 |archive-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424204621/https://books.google.com/books?id=RYZLAAAAIBAJ |url-status=live }} A new road between the Twin Cities was covered in {{convert|2|ft|m|1}} of water, mudslides were reported in the area, and electricity had to supplanted by the local steam plant as larger power operators in the region were forced to shut down.{{cite news |last1=Auvil |first1=Dennis |title=1915 flood damage slowed railroads |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1976/06-28/page-33 |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=June 28, 1976 |page=A17}}
Four years later, in January 1919, a deluge was declared by the Centralia Daily Chronicle as, "Present Flood Probably Worst in City’s History". The three major rivers in the area overflowed with landslides disconnecting travel, communities, and electricity in the area.{{rp|55}} The elementary and high school were briefly closed. The flood was mentioned in regional newspaper accounts to have broken the record for highest depth but gauges reported that the waters fell {{convert|18|in|cm}} short of the mark.{{cite news |title=Toledo Bridge Is Damaged - Floods Stop Schools |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B7M9AAAAIBAJ |access-date=April 24, 2024 |work=The Chehalis Bee-Nugget |date=January 24, 1919 |pages=1, 9 |archive-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424204621/https://books.google.com/books?id=B7M9AAAAIBAJ |url-status=live }}
=1920 to 1949=
Except for a small inundation of lowland flooding occurring between late December 1920 and early January 1921, in which the Chehalis River came within two feet of the crest record,{{cite news |title=Yesteryears - 30 Years Ago |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1951/01-04/page-4 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=January 4, 1951 |page=4 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426092945/https://newspaperarchive.com/centralia-daily-chronicle-jan-04-1951-p-4/ |url-status=live }} the city was spared any flooding events of note for twelve years. In December 1933, Chehalis was submerged in a month-long rain event, totaling over {{convert|22|in|mm}} of precipitation. The heavy rains affected most of Western Washington including roads between Portland and Tacoma and the submergence of the Pacific{{cite news |title=Flooding of 1933 Recalled |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1964/02-01/page-7 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=February 1, 1964 |page=7}} and Ocean Beach highways.{{cite news |last1=Auvil |first1=Dennis |title=Area's worst flood in December, 1933 |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1976/06-28/page-33 |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=June 28, 1976 |page=A17}}
Passage between the Twin Cities was closed, and railroad traffic and postal services were disrupted in Chehalis. The city water supply was reduced due to damaged intakes and soil entering the reservoir.{{cite news |title=Perilous City Water Situation Is Restored To Normal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hIA9AAAAIBAJ |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Chehalis Bee-Nugget |date=December 29, 1933 |page=1 |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425170820/https://books.google.com/books?id=hIA9AAAAIBAJ |url-status=live }} Alexander Park and the fairgrounds flooded, the latter of which had water levels up to the eaves in some buildings. Flood records were broken and damages were estimated to be as high as $50,000 in the county (2024 value of $1.3 million).{{rp|87}}{{cite news |title=Thousands Of Dollars Worth Of Damage Results From High Water And Storms In This Section Last Week |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=goA9AAAAIBAJ |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Chehalis Bee-Nugget |date=December 15, 1933 |page=1 |archive-date=January 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131201919/https://books.google.com/books?id=goA9AAAAIBAJ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Heavy Downpour Of Rain Breaks December Records |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g4A9AAAAIBAJ |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Chehalis Bee-Nugget |date=December 22, 1933 |page=1 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426092924/https://books.google.com/books?id=g4A9AAAAIBAJ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-06-12 |title=Inflation Calculator {{!}} Find US Dollar's Value From 1913-2024 |url=https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=www.usinflationcalculator.com |language=en-US}}
Successive events of heavy rainfall in early 1936,{{cite news |title=Rivers Are Rising As Result Of Rain |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1936/02-22/page-6 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Centralia Daily Chronicle |date=February 22, 1936 |page=6 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426092931/https://newspaperarchive.com/centralia-daily-chronicle-feb-22-1936-p-6/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Flood Menace Removed Here |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1936/02-28/page-1 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Centralia Daily Chronicle |date=February 28, 1936 |page=1 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426092926/https://newspaperarchive.com/centralia-daily-chronicle-feb-28-1936-p-1/ |url-status=live }} and excess rain mixed with snowstorms in February 1937,{{cite news |title=Washington Rains Back On The Job |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/chehalis/chehalis-bee-nugget/1937/02-05/page-1 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Chehalis Bee-Nugget |date=February 5, 1937 |page=1 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426093514/https://newspaperarchive.com/chehalis-bee-nugget-feb-05-1937-p-1/ |url-status=live }} led to additional moderate flooding. A 1939 flood from a rain on snow event submerged the Chehalis–Centralia Airport.{{cite news |title=Flooded Streams Start to Recede |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1939/02-13/page-4 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Centralia Daily Chronicle |date=February 13, 1939 |page=4 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426093541/https://newspaperarchive.com/centralia-daily-chronicle-feb-13-1939-p-4/ |url-status=live }}
A Cowlitz River overflow in 1946 affected the city. The weather pattern that caused the 1948 Columbia River flood was a widespread disaster throughout the region and both the Chehalis and Newaukum crested, leading to closures of roads and the airport. A 1949 rainfall event affected the city as the Cowlitz overflowed.{{cite news |date=February 9, 1951 |title=Rains Raise Rivers |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1951/02-09/page-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426093516/https://newspaperarchive.com/centralia-daily-chronicle-feb-09-1951-p-1/ |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |page=1}}
Flood events from 1950 to 1999
=1950s=
Heavy rains in February and March 1951 caused moderate, local flooding.{{cite news |date=March 13, 1951 |title=Flood Threat Is Seen Fading |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1951/03-13/page-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426093600/https://newspaperarchive.com/centralia-daily-chronicle-mar-13-1951-p-1/ |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |page=1}} A flash flood in December 1953 clogged intakes of the local water system but the city's reservoir was ample enough that no shortage to residents occurred.{{cite news |title=Flash Flood Cuts Off Water for Twin Cities |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1953/12-10/page-1 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=December 10, 1953 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426093541/https://newspaperarchive.com/centralia-daily-chronicle-dec-10-1953-p-1/ |url-status=live }} Heavy rain showers continued into January 1954 causing lowland flooding with some inundation of the Ocean Beach and Pacific highways, the latter of which being a predecessor of Interstate 5. Gauges at the Chehalis River reached over {{convert|68|ft|m|1}}.{{cite news |title=Streams in Twin City District Run High From Record Rainfall |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1954/01-06/page-1 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=January 6, 1954 |page=1 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426093550/https://newspaperarchive.com/centralia-daily-chronicle-jan-06-1954-p-1/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Flood Danger Fades As River Levels Drop |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1954/01-07/page-1 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=January 7, 1954 |page=1 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426093550/https://newspaperarchive.com/centralia-daily-chronicle-jan-07-1954-p-1/ |url-status=live }}
Two minor December 1955 inundations occurred due to a quick rise in the water of the Chehalis River. The second event was due to a combination of melting snow and near-record rain.{{cite news |title=Fast Melt for Snow Brought by Pelting Rains; Rivers Watched |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1955/12-20/page-1 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=December 20, 1955 |page=1 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426093934/https://newspaperarchive.com/centralia-daily-chronicle-dec-20-1955-p-1/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Flood Danger Seen Growing as Heavy Rain Continues To Sweep Most of Lewis County |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1955/12-21/page-1 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=December 21, 1955 |page=1 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426093954/https://newspaperarchive.com/centralia-daily-chronicle-dec-21-1955-p-1/ |url-status=live }} The Chehalis River crested at {{convert|68.5|ft|m|1}}.{{cite news |title=Flood Danger Fades Away |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1955/12-27/page-1 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=December 27, 1955 |page=1 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426093959/https://newspaperarchive.com/centralia-daily-chronicle-dec-27-1955-p-1/ |url-status=live }} A wind event, described as a "twister", hit the area the day after the river began to recede.{{cite news |title=Gale Adds To Flood Grief; Streams Drop |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1955/12-23/page-1 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=December 23, 1955 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426093936/https://newspaperarchive.com/centralia-daily-chronicle-dec-23-1955-p-1/ |url-status=live }} Two minor floods, with the Chehalis and Skookumchuck rivers barely reaching or surpassing flood stage, occurred in November and December 1959.{{cite news |title=High Water To Subside |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1959/12-16/page-1 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=December 16, 1959 |page=1}} The November flood, with the Chehalis River reaching a foot over flood stage, did cause flooding in some neighborhoods.{{cite news |title=Flood Danger Said Eased in Twin Cities |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1959/11-23/page-1 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=November 23, 1959 |page=1}}
=1960s=
File:Christmas flood of 1964-65 (15800878247).jpg
The highest flood levels in over a decade occurred in January 1964 with the Chehalis River overflowing {{convert|3.5|ft|m|1}} above flood stage. Due to excessive rainfall over a two-day period, flooding was considered moderate with water covering local neighborhood streets, Alexander Park. A few businesses were unable to operate.{{cite news |title=Mop-Up On; River Data Tells Story |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1964/01-27/page-1 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=January 27, 1964 |page=1}}
Later in the year as part of the Christmas flood of 1964, a mixture of heavy snow and rain led to an approximate {{convert|1.8|ft|m|1}} rise over flood stage of the Chehalis River, and the Skookumchuck registering just under flood stage of {{convert|68|ft|m|1}}. Lowland areas and some roads were submerged.{{cite news |title=Snow Next? |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1964/12-23/page-1 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=December 23, 1964 |page=1}}{{cite news |title=River Levels Dropping Over Lewis County Area |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1964/12-24/page-1 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=December 24, 1964 |page=1}} A state disaster declaration was authorized but the county rejected any funding, considering the aid too quick and unnecessary; federal aid was still available.{{cite news |title=Aid Rejection To County's Credit |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1965/01-04/page-6 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=January 4, 1965 |page=6}} The Pacific Northwest event, described by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) as one of the 20th century's worst flood disasters, was ushered in by a weather pattern that dropped {{Convert|6|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain during the course of a week in the city. Continuing heavy precipitation followed into January 1965, leading to minor flooding.{{cite news |title=Sun & Snow |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1965/01-06/page-1 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=January 6, 1965 |page=1}}{{cite news |title=Rain Quits |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1965/02-01/page-1 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=February 1, 1965 |page=1}}
=1970s=
A minor cresting of the Chehalis in December 1970, due to a mix of snow and rain, produced local but moderate flooding.{{cite news |title=Heavy Rains, Wet Snow Punish Region |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1970/01-27/page-1 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=January 27, 1970 |page=1}}
In January 1971, repeated heavy rainfall, along with snowmelt, began to overwhelm the city and the river basins. A minor overflow of the Chehalis in mid-January caused few issues but access to the airport was closed and a small mudslide shut down a portion of the main thoroughfare to Centralia.{{cite news |title=Chehalis To Overflow But Rainfall On Decline |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1971/01-16/page-1 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=January 16, 1971 |page=1}}{{cite news |title=Two Rivers Receding After Weekend Highs |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1971/01-18/page-1 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=January 18, 1971 |page=1}} Over a week later, more rains caused the Chehalis to crest producing flooding in local neighborhoods and another mudslide on the Kresky-National road between the Twin Cities.{{cite news |title=Rain Drums Deliver Downpour Drumbeat |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1971/01-25/page-1 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=January 25, 1971 |page=1}} The 1971 flood incident was asserted to be the worst since 1937.
Residents were evacuated as the west side of the city flooded. The Chehalis River reached {{convert|6.5|ft|m|1}} above flood stage and the Skookumchuck crested just over its flood stage.{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=John |title=Predicted Flood Worst Since '37 |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1971/01-26/page-1 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=January 26, 1971 |page=1 |quote=Information also taken from photo caption above article}} The Chehalis peaked at {{convert|70.2|ft|m|1}} and early estimated losses in the county exceeded $500,000. The Red Cross immediately declared the Twin Cities a disaster area and over 9,000 sandbags were imported;{{cite news |title=Washington State Faces Extreme Flood Peril |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/california/barstow/barstow-desert-dispatch/1971/01-27/page-2 |access-date=October 1, 2024 |work=Barstow Desert Dispatch |agency=UPI |date=January 27, 1971 |page=2}} approximately 5,000 sandbags were used in Chehalis. There was no loss of life, but there was a larger than normal amount of evacuations, though only minor calls for housing assistance. Over {{convert|4|in|cm|abbr=on}} of water intrusion were recorded at the local Yard Birds Shopping Center.{{cite news |last1=Bingaman |first1=Francis |title=Flooding Eases; Disaster Aid Sought |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1971/01-27/page-1 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=January 27, 1971 |page=1}} The region received aid via disaster declarations at the county, state, and federal levels.{{cite news |title=Disaster Declared |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1971/02-01/page-1 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=February 1, 1971 |page=1}}{{cite news |title=Lewis Disaster Area |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1971/02-09/page-1 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |agency=Associated Press |date=February 9, 1971 |page=1}}
A major flood occurred in January 1972, becoming the first flood to submerge the newly built Interstate 5. The event started in the middle of the month with the Chehalis reaching {{convert|1|foot|abbr=off}} over its banks, leading to some roads in the city to be covered.{{cite news |title=River Waters Recede |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1972/01-13/page-1 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=January 13, 1972 |page=1}} Continuing rainfall over the next week led to the Chehalis to overflow its banks again, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) was mobilized in advance due to concerns over severe flooding.{{cite news |last1=Bingaman |first1=Francis |title=Deluge Continues - Area Braces For major Flooding |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1972/01-20/page-1 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=January 20, 1972 |page=1}} Almost {{convert|5|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain fell over several days leading the Chehalis River to rise {{convert|15|ft|m|1}} in two days while setting a flood stage record of {{convert|71.6|ft|m|1}}.{{cite news |last1=Hoxit |first1=Eric |title=Record Flooding Inundates Western Lewis County |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1972/01-21/page-1 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=January 21, 1972 |page=1}}
While no deaths were reported, schools were closed, dozens of people, including a squirrel, were evacuated from the city and the Yard Birds Mall was under two feet of water, recording $500,000 in losses. The Ocean Beach Highway was closed for a time, the main arterial to Centralia was covered by as much as {{convert|16|ft|m|1}} of water, and about {{convert|200|ft|m|1}} of Burlington Northern rail line between the Twin Cities was washed away.{{cite news |last1=Hoxit |first1=Eric |title=Flooding Conditions Reported Improving |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1972/01-22/page-1 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=January 22, 1972 |page=1}}{{cite news |title=Flood Waters Are Going Down |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/port-angeles/port-angeles-evening-news/1972/01-23/page-1 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=Port Angeles Evening News |agency=Associated Press |date=January 23, 1972 |page=1}} Combined damages in Centralia and Chehalis was assessed at approximately $1.0 million. The fairgrounds suffered damages estimated at $250,000 after a levee built in 1952 failed. A severe snowstorm followed days later, and flood disaster declarations were announced at the city, county, state, and federal levels;{{cite news |title=Chehalis Disaster Cited |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1972/01-25/page-1 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=January 25, 1972 |page=1 |quote=See additional article on page, "Winter's Heavy Punch: Snow, Ice Follow Flood"}}{{cite news |last1=Atkins |first1=John |title=Lewis County Flood Disaster Declared |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1972/01-24/page-1 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=January 24, 1972 |page=1}}{{cite news |title=Flood Loans Available |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1972/02-14/page-10 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=February 14, 1972 |page=10}} official costs were determined to be nominally $400,000.
Two years later, a cresting of the Chehalis River, twice in January 1974, caused $10 million in losses in the region after a period of heavy rain. The river reached {{convert|69.1|ft|m|1}} and similar to other floods, roads, rail lines, and schools were closed for a few days. The airport and the fairgrounds, protected by dikes after the 1972 event, were left unharmed despite some reports of seepage.{{cite news |title=Cleanup begins as floods recedes |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1974/01-17/page-1 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 17, 1974 |page=1 |quote=Information also taken from photo caption above article}}
Another heavy rain event, measuring {{convert|5.71|in|mm|abbr=on}} at Centralia in one week, led to the quick overflow of rivers in the area in December 1975, including the Cowlitz. The Chehalis officially reached {{convert|71.17|ft|m|1}}{{cite news |title=Cooler Temperatures End Rising Flood Waters |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/idaho/pocatello/idaho-state-journal/1975/12-05/page-9 |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=Idaho State Journal |agency=Associated Press |date=December 5, 1975}} and the Skookumchuck struck just above flood stage. The dike at the fairgrounds suffered a minor leak but was repaired with help from students from Green Hill School{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=John |title=Floodwaters begin to recede in region |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1975/12-05/page-1 |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=December 5, 1975 |page=1}} and the venue was spared from major losses due to new pumps that were installed after the 1972 flood.
Heavy damages occurred at the Stan Hedwall and Alexander parks after they were submerged. Roads in Chehalis were closed and evacuations were required for areas of the city.{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=John |title=Severe flooding inundates Twin Cities |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1975/12-04/page-1 |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=December 4, 1975 |page=1}} An apartment complex was evacuated by boat but there was no loss of life. A state emergency declaration was announced two days after the flood began and federal relief arrived via the Small Business Administration two weeks later.{{cite news |date=December 5, 1975 |title=Floods Driver Indians From Washington Home |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/texas/pampa/pampa-daily-news/1975/12-05/page-1 |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=The Pampa Daily News |page=1 |agency=United Press International}}{{cite news |title=Flood aid available at local centers |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1975/12-17/page-13 |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=December 17, 1975 |page=14}}
A heavy rain storm in December 1977, which largely impacted Eastern Lewis County upstream of Chehalis, caused the Chehalis River to reach a high of {{convert|5.76|ft|m|1}} over flood stage. The main artery between Chehalis and Centralia, Kresky Avenue which had been rebuilt in recent years, was again flooded over and closed despite additional attempts to control flooding by the widening of Salzer Creek, which courses through the area.{{cite news |title=County's flood toll may top $6 million dollars - No plans to raise Kresky |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1977/12-05/page-1 |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=December 5, 1977 |page=1}}{{cite news |title=Manager all 'wet' on road |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1977/12-08/page-6 |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=December 8, 1977 |page=6}}
=1980s=
The Chehalis River slightly exceeded flood stage in February 1981. Due to a heatwave that brought severe weather nationwide, a large rainstorm led to mountain runoff but no major flooding was reported in the area.{{cite news |last1=Mundth |first1=Michelle |title=Dense fog blamed for 15 deaths |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/02/20/Dense-fog-blamed-for-15-deaths/7919351493200/ |access-date=February 4, 2025 |agency=UPI |date=February 20, 1981}} A similar event with minor cresting occurred almost exactly a year later.{{cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Dana |title=Another wave of warm rains flowed today into the... |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/02/19/Another-wave-of-warm-rains-flowed-today-into-the/6536382942800/ |access-date=February 5, 2025 |agency=UPI |date=February 19, 1982}}
A major flood disaster developed in November 1986. Caused by a weather event considered at the time to be a "once-a-century" occurrence, it brought {{Convert|6 to 8|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rainfall over several days.{{cite news |date=November 26, 1986 |title=Most Washington rivers gorged by a 'once-a-century' storm |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/11/26/Most-Washington-rivers-gorged-by-a-once-a-century-storm-during/6620533365200/ |access-date=June 13, 2024 |work=UPI}} The city saw damage to two schools and a total of {{convert|10|ft|m|1}} of water at the fairgrounds after a levee was breached. All but one lane of the interstate was closed through city limits. The city declared a disaster and a ballfield at W.F. West High School was used as an emergency helipad.{{cite news |last1=Fund |first1=Edna |title=Today in History: Record Rainfalls Drench County in 1986 |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/today-in-history-record-rainfalls-drench-county-in-1986,152494 |access-date=June 13, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=November 24, 2011}}
The flood led to a contamination cleanup at a closed industrial site, known as American Crossarm and Conduit, near Millett Field. The inundation caused a spillage of approximately {{convert|10,000|USgal}}{{efn|Early reports in the aftermath of the November 1986 flood listed the chemical spill as {{convert|3,000|lb|kg}}.{{cite news |title=More snow and rain fell on the Pacific Northwest... |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/11/28/More-snow-and-rain-fell-on-the-Pacific-Northwest/4105533538000/ |access-date=February 10, 2025 |agency=UPI |date=November 28, 1986}}}} of a mixture of creosote, diesel fuel, and chemicals used in the treatment of lumber which spread into the surrounding neighborhoods as well as the Dillenbaugh Creek watershed. Cancer-causing compounds such as dioxins and pentachlorophenol were included in the spill.{{cite news |last1=Vowell |first1=Michele |title=Danger at out doorstep? |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1995/01-12/page-27 |access-date=June 13, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 12, 1995 |pages=A1, A10}}{{cite news |last1=Mittge |first1=Brian |title=Dillenbaugh Creek : Where salmon and industry mingle |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2005/01-21/page-1 |access-date=June 19, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 21, 2005 |pages=A1, A8}} The remediation was undertaken by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and was listed in 1988 as a federal superfund site.{{cite news |last1=Vowell |first1=Michele |title=Health concerns remain |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1995/01-31/page-24 |access-date=June 13, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 31, 1996 |pages=A1, A10}} The $9.5 million hazardous cleanup project was not completed until 1996.{{cite news |last1=Vowell |first1=Michele |title=The end of a hazard |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1996/05-25/page-1 |access-date=June 13, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=May 25, 1996 |pages=A1, A7}}
=1990s=
Interstate 5 was covered with floodwaters again during a major flood disaster in January 1990. Heavy rains, including {{convert|4.5|in|mm}} in one day, coupled with a dike breach on the Skookumchuck,{{cite news |title=Flooding Forces Hundreds To Flee |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/01/11/us/flooding-forces-hundreds-to-flee.html |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press |date=January 11, 1990}} led to severe damages at the fairgrounds and the airport. At-capacity reservoirs in the city overflowed and both the Skookumchuck, at {{convert|87.11|ft|m|1}}, and the Chehalis, at {{convert|73.39|ft|m|1}}, broke flood stage records.{{cite news |last1=Nelson |first1=Jonathon |title=Remembering The Flood |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1997/02-08/page-17 |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 8, 1997 |page=C1}}{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Corrections |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1997/02-11/page-3 |access-date=June 18, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 11, 1997 |page=A3}} The Yard Birds Mall reported up to {{convert|24|in|cm}} of water and over $1.0 million in losses.{{cite news |last1=Nelson |first1=Jonathon |title=Yard Birds Is Closing |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1995/01-21/page-1 |access-date=May 29, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 21, 1995 |page=A1}} I-5 was closed for a day as it was submerged at one point by {{convert|7|ft|m|1}} of floodwaters.{{cite news |author1=The Seattle Times staff |title=Centralia Man Dies In Rising Waters - The Rain Eases, But Residents Brace For More Flooding |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19900110&slug=1050150 |access-date=June 18, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times |date=January 10, 1990}}{{cite news |last1=Vowell |first1=Michele |title=Preparation |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1996/02-24/page-8 |access-date=June 18, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 14, 1996 |pages=A1, A8}} A USACE report the following year recognized the event as a 100-year flood, the first in the city's history.{{cite web |title=Flood Summary Chehalis River Basin January 1990 Event |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA242755.pdf |publisher=United States Army Corps of Engineers |access-date=June 18, 2024 |date=May 31, 1991}}
A following flood due to a Western Washington weather event in November of that year led to lowland flooding in the community. Led by extreme record rainfall, the Chehalis reached {{convert|71.43|ft|m|1}}.{{cite news |author1=Chuck Taylor |author2=Ed Walker |title=State Reeling Under Massive Flooding From Record Deluge |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19901126&slug=1106204 |access-date=June 18, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times |date=November 26, 1990}} A smaller flood occurred in April 1991, the only flooding event ever recorded later than March in Chehalis and the surrounding area.{{cite news |last1=Geluso |first1=James |title=Melting snow no flood threat, experts assure |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1999/03-02/page-1 |access-date=May 29, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=March 2, 1999}}
Minor cresting of the Chehalis River occurred twice in late December 1994 after above-average rainfall. Nearly a week apart, the flood stage reached above {{convert|1|ft|m|1}} and {{convert|2|ft|m|1}} respectively and a few roads were slightly submerged. Other than costs for cleanup, no major damages were reported and the flooding was considered a "nuisance" by the Lewis County Public Services Department.{{cite news |title=More 'Nuisance' Flooding |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/0EB13E0E70B940C9 |access-date=June 9, 2025 |work=The Columbian |agency=Associated Press |date=December 29, 1994 |page=C1 |id={{NewsBank text|0EB13E0E70B940C9}} |via=NewsBank |url-access=registration}}
A small overflow of the Chehalis, reaching {{convert|3|ft|m|1}} above flood stage, occurred in early January 1997, creating an influx of waters in low-lying areas, specifically around Washington State Route 6 (SR 6).{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Worries : Rivers should recede |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1997/01-02/page-8 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 2, 1997 |page=A8}}{{cite news |last1=Henderer |first1=John |title=Chehalis family still not allowed back into its home |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1997/01-03 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 3, 1997 |page=1}} The Scout Lodge was used as a temporary Red Cross shelter.{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Area rivers are spilling over |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1996/12-30/page-1 |access-date=August 14, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 30, 1996}} Owing to repeated inundations to the lands, the city attempted in the weeks after the 1997 event to buy out homes in the flood-prone area.{{cite news |last1=Levine |first1=Ruth |title=Chehalis may buy flood-ridden properties |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1997/01-25/page-3 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 25, 1997 |page=A3}} Accompanying heavy rainfall in late December 1998, several roads were under a minor amount of water in the city but no waterways reached flood level. A similar event transpired in late January 1999. Only the Chehalis River exceeded flood stage, by just {{convert|0.5|ft|m|1}}.{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=River levels recede; Chehalis warning stays |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1998/12-30 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 30, 1998 |pages=A1, A8}}{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Water up, but rains will taper |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1999/01-29/page-1 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 29, 1999 |page=1}}
==100-year flood of 1996==
{{Infobox flood
| name = 100-year flood of 1996
| image = File:Pacific Northwest Flood of 1996 (24195344733).jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = U.S. President Bill Clinton speaks in nearby Portland, Oregon during a tour of regions impacted by the 1996 floods.
| duration =
| date = February 1996
| damages = $2 million
| fatalities = 0
| affected = Chehalis and other communities in the Chehalis Valley
}}
A 100-year flood, part of the larger 1996 Pacific Northwest floods, with the Chehalis River carrying 49,000 cubic feet of water per second, transpired in February 1996. Setting crest and flood stage records, the Chehalis, at {{convert|74.3|ft|m|1}}, the Cowlitz River, over {{convert|6|ft|m|1}} above flood stage at {{convert|24.2|ft|m|1}},{{cite news |last1=Mittge |first1=Brian |title=The 1996 flood, day by day |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2006/02-07/page-9 |access-date=June 20, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 7, 2006 |page=A9}} and the Skookumchuck, at {{convert|87.3|ft|m|1}}, overflowed after {{convert|4|in|mm}} of rain in one day. It was the first chronicled situation in which all three major rivers in the valley exceeded their historical flood stage levels in one event.{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=This is a total disaster |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1996/02-17/page-38 |access-date=June 20, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 17, 1996 |page=2}} The level of water inundation surpassed that as listed on 100-year floodplain maps.{{cite news |last1=Yardley |first1=William |date=January 3, 2008 |title=Anger and blame after deadly flood in Northwest |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/03/world/americas/03iht-03flood.9002047.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226194305/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/03/world/americas/03iht-03flood.9002047.html |archive-date=February 26, 2024 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |work=The New York Times}}
A state of emergency was immediately declared and I-5 was closed for 4 days after it was covered in {{convert|6|ft|m|1}} of floodwater; further measurements listed the amount of flooding there to be {{convert|10|ft|m|1}}.{{cite news |last1=Mittge |first1=Brian |title=Remembering the big flood |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2006/02-07/page-1 |access-date=June 20, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 7, 2006 |pages=A1, A8}} The Red Cross operated a command station in the downtown district and, due to a large number of requests, had to limit the amount of services to 100 people per day. Radio broadcasts of emergency information to the city were limited to one station, KITI-FM, after waters forced the closure of an AM broadcaster.
Resembling prior floods, the airport was severely flooded, parts of the Chehalis Industrial Park were submerged, the Chehalis Apartments and surrounding neighborhood were underwater,{{cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=Erik |title=Flood victims look for help - Flooded apartments no place to cal home for this family |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1996/02-13/page-1 |access-date=June 20, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 13, 1996 |page=A1 }} and Kresky Avenue was closed for several days due to standing water and a mudslide.{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Kresky is now open to two-way traffic |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1995/02-12/page-5 |access-date=June 19, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 12, 1996 |page=A5}} Other roads in the area were closed as well, and there were multiple school and business closures.{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=The 1996 Flood - Day by Day |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/the-1996-flood-day-by-day,168167 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 8, 2011 |archive-date=January 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113210239/https://www.chronline.com/stories/the-1996-flood-day-by-day,168167 |url-status=live }} Evacuations were voluntary and both the R.E. Bennet Elementary School and the Lewis County Jail were used as temporary shelters.{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=The Record Flood of 1996 - Flood Memories |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1996/02-17/page-47 |access-date=June 20, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 17, 1996 |page=11}} The fairgrounds had some standing water at the beginning of the deluge but the pumps, which were forcing out {{convert|24,000|USgal}} per minute,{{cite news |author1=Michele Vowell |author2=Larissa Kotik |author3=Jonathon Nelson |title=Floods hammer area |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1996/02-09 |access-date=June 19, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 9, 1996 |pages=A1, A5, A8}} became overwhelmed when a dike broke. The waters reached {{convert|18|in|cm}} higher on the grounds than the 1990 flood.{{cite news |author1=Michele Vowell |author2=John Pierce |title=Fairgrounds flood topped '90 |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1995/02-12/page-3 |access-date=June 19, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 12, 1996 |page=A3}}
The flood event led to city ordinances directing that existing homes in the Chehalis floodplain be raised 12 inches. Several hundred homes reported significant damages. A year after the event, damages to the Chehalis sewage treatment plant, which included cracked storage basins, unstable soil, and a destroyed pump, were estimated to reach as high as $1.5 million.{{cite news |last1=Levine |first1=Ruth |title=Chehalis awaits price tag for sewer repair |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1997/02-24/page-3 |access-date=June 20, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 24, 1997 |page=A3}} The city was able to buyout and relocate 27 of 31 homeowners in the neighborhood near the sewage plant, a long-standing flood prone area.
Flood events in the 21st century
=2000s=
File:SkookumchuckRiver.jpg upstream of Chehalis]]
The early events of the 21st century marked the beginning of 18 recognized floods in twenty years on the Chehalis River.{{cite news |last1=Mapes |first1=Lynda V. |title=Quinault Indian Nation opposes new dam on Chehalis, seeks alternatives |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/quinault-indian-nation-opposes-new-dam-on-chehalis-seeks-alternatives/ |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times |date=April 16, 2020}}
Minor flooding was reported in mid-December 2001 due to continuous, rainy weather over several days. Several roads and low elevation areas, such as the Chehalis Apartments near Millet Field, were underwater. The Chehalis crested at {{convert|69|ft|m|1}}.{{cite news |last1=Graham |first1=Julie M. |title=Wet weather continues; some flood warnings end |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2001/12-15 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 15, 2001 |pages=A1, A3}}{{cite news |last1=Mittge |first1=Brian |title=Streets submerged |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2001/12-18 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 18, 2001 |pages=A1, A10}} A comparable rainfall and flood event occurred in January 2003 where record precipitation struck Lewis County. Both the Chehalis and Skookumchuck reached minimum flood stage.{{cite news |last1=Mittge |first1=Brian |title=Rainy days descend upon Western Washington |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2003/01-31/page-12 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 31, 2003 |pages=A1, A12}}{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Rain swells local rivers, floods roads |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2003/02-01 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 1, 2003 |pages=A1, A11}} Another analogous weather pattern, a Pineapple Express, occurred two years later in 2005, once again causing the minor submergence of several roads. Three of the four local river systems, the Cowlitz, Newaukum, and Skookumchuck, reached or exceeded their flood limits.{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |agency=Associated Press |title=Rivers rising after heavy rainfall |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2005/01-18 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 18, 2005 |pages=A1, A8}}{{cite news |last1=Mittge |first1=Brian |title=Clear weather, halt in rains ease flooding |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2005/01-19 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |publisher=Associated Press |date=January 19, 2005 |pages=A1, A9}}
The following January 2006, Chehalis experienced three heavy rainfall patterns in the month. The first led to a small flood that engulfed the airport and surrounding lowlands. Caused by a stretch of 20 consecutive days of measurable rain, both the Newaukum and Skookumchuck moderately crested over their limits, and the Chehalis was {{convert|1|foot|abbr=off}} above its banks.{{cite news |author1=Carrina Stanton |author2=Sharyn L. Decker |title=People bear up under the wet stuff; Rising river levels create concern |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2006/01-11 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 11, 2006 |pages=A1, A9, A11}} Roads, low areas, and farmlands were moderately submerged.{{cite news |last1=Stanton |first1=Carrina |title=Rivers recede, but flood watch continues |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2006/01-13 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 13, 2006 |pages=A1, A9}}
The depth of the waters was enough to crack a {{convert|500,000|USgal|adj=on}} concrete holding tank at the city's wastewater treatment plant. The tank was considered mostly empty and sewage ran off into a nearby slough not affecting the city's water supply.{{cite news |last1=Stanton |first1=Carrina |title=Fix still coming for Chehalis sewage plant |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2006/01-18/page-1 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 18, 2006 |page=1}}{{cite news |last1=Stanton |first1=Carrina |title=Sewage plant work to begin this week |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2006/03-28/page-1 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=March 28, 2006 |pages=A1, A8}} Days later, the Chehalis and Skookumchuck rose to flood levels after more rainfall hit the area.{{cite news |last1=Stanton |first1=Carrina |title=More rain coming |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2006/01-16 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 16, 2006 |pages=A1, A10}} At the end of the month, a downpour of {{convert|2|in|mm}} during a single evening led to an immediate flood warning by the National Weather Service (NWS).{{cite news |last1=Stanton |first1=Carrina |title=Flood warning returns to local rivers |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2006/01-30 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 30, 2006 |pages=A1, A8}} The Newaukum crested {{convert|2|ft|m|1}} above flood stage, and both the Chehalis and Skookumchuck were declared as being below Phase II flood levels. Low-lying residential areas and roads in the city were again underwater, necessitating some evacuations.{{cite news |last1=Stanton |first1=Carrina |title=Flooding takes a toll in Twin Cities |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2006/01-31 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 31, 2006 |pages=A1, A7}}
An equivalent flood event that inundated the airport occurred in November 2006.{{cite news |last1=Decker |first1=Sharyn L. |title=Flooding effects range far, wide |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2006/11-09/page-7 |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=November 9, 2006 |page=A7}} Lewis County was part of a statewide emergency declaration and the city of Chehalis declared its own during the three-day storm that produced almost {{convert|7|in|cm}} of rain. Minor-to-moderate road and lowland flooding developed, specifically around the Millet Field and Chehalis Apartment neighborhoods. A few evacuations were required and fallen trees damaged a water main.{{cite news |author1=Amanda haines |author2=Erik Olson |title=Rain will stop today...but not for long; Help |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2006/11-07/page-7 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=November 7, 2006 |page=A7}}{{cite news |last1=Haines |first1=Amanda |title=Locals breathe a big sigh of relief |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2006/11-08/page-5 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=November 8, 2006 |page=A5}}
==December 2007 Flood==
{{Infobox flood
| name = December 2007 Flood
| image = File:FEMA - 33725 - Volunteers distribute goods in Washington.jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Volunteers distribute goods in Chehalis during 2007 flood
| duration = December 2007
| date =
| damages = $930 million
| fatalities = 0
| affected = Chehalis and other communities in the Chehalis Valley
}}
A record flood in early December 2007 closed I-5 in the city for several days as the highway was covered in {{convert|10|ft|m|1}} of water. Breaking the crest record set in 1996, the Chehalis River set a flood stage mark of {{convert|74.78|ft|m|1}}.{{cite news |title=Rivers Continue to Surge as Storms Ease in Northwest |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/05/us/05northwest.html |access-date=February 27, 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=December 5, 2007 |archive-date=February 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227190914/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/05/us/05northwest.html |url-status=live }} The river exceeded the threshold for a flood event to be considered catastrophic, listed as 75,100 cubic feet of water per second (cfs), and an average flow rate of 70,000 cfs was recorded at a monitor station north of the city in Grand Mound during the unfolding disaster.{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title='More Floods and Worse Floods' in the Chehalis Basin: Officials Discuss Potential Effects of Climate Change |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/more-floods-and-worse-floods-in-the-chehalis-basin-officials-discuss-potential-effects-of,302137? |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=October 21, 2022}} A total of approximately 300,000 acre feet of water was recorded as flowing through the Chehalis River during the event.{{cite news |last1=Sexton |first1=Owen |title=Centralia City Council passes resolution reaffirming support of Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority's basinwide flooding solution |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/centralia-city-council-passes-resolution-reaffirming-support-of-chehalis-river-basin-flood,373991 |access-date=January 22, 2025 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 20, 2025}}
Numerous areas in the city were impassable and the local shopping district was submerged.{{cite news |title=Floodwaters linger in Washington, Oregon |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna22082408 |access-date=July 17, 2023 |work=NBC News |agency=Associated Press |date=December 3, 2007 |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717195957/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna22082408 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Northwest floods likened to Mount St. Helens |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna22128563 |access-date=July 17, 2023 |work=NBC News |agency=Associated Press |date=December 6, 2007 |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717195956/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna22128563 |url-status=live }} Neighborhoods with no recorded history of intruding floodwaters were heavily inundated. Over 500 people in the area were evacuated{{rp|126}} including over 100 people by helicopter under the United States Coast Guard.{{cite news |title=Anatomy of a storm |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/11D9DE9AB7D34A50 |access-date=June 10, 2025 |work=The Astorian |date=December 17, 2007 |id={{NewsBank text|11D9DE9AB7D34A50}} |via=NewsBank |url-access=registration}}{{efn|The Coast Guard units that rescued people in Chehalis by helicopter during the December 2007 flood were honored by the National Football League during a Seattle Seahawks pre-game, playoff contest the following month. The Seahawks won, 35-14.{{cite news |last1=Tremain |first1=Ron |title=Coast Guard honored by Seahawks - Helicopter crews from Air Station Astoria in national spotlight |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=NewsBank&docref=news/11E11F6E5D968238 |access-date=June 10, 2025 |work=The Astorian |date=January 8, 2008 |id={{NewsBank text|11E11F6E5D968238}} |via=NewsBank |url-access=registration}}}} Within two days the Chehalis fire department had recorded the rescue of 80 people.{{cite news |last1=Decker |first1=Sharyn L. |title=Chehalis Digs Out of Millions in Damage |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/chehalis-digs-out-of-millions-in-damage,205447? |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 7, 2007}} Chehalis residents in flooded areas relied on a variety of watercraft for transport.{{cite news |author1=Hal Bernton |author2=Ralph Thomas |title=Extensive flooding, 3 confirmed deaths, hundreds of rescues |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/extensive-flooding-3-confirmed-deaths-hundreds-of-rescues/ |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times |date=December 5, 2007}} Railroad freight, as well as Amtrak services, were halted.{{cite news |author1=Brian Mittge |author2=Sharyn L. Decker |title=Rivers Run Wild |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/rivers-run-wild,205577? |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 4, 2007}}
Despite local opposition, a dike at the airport near the interstate was intentionally breached by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) the day after the rivers crested. The purpose for the opening in the levee was to protect and open the highway, a concern of the governor at the time. Other concerns were due to excessive floodwaters at the airport and the Twin City Town Center.{{cite news |last1=Mittge |first1=Brian |title=Hole Punched in Airport Road Levee |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/hole-punched-in-airport-road-levee,205465? |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 6, 2007}}
The highway was reopened, only for commercial traffic, after an approximate 4 day closure.{{cite news |last1=Lange |first1=Larry |title=I-5 reopens to commercial vehicles |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/i-5-reopens-to-commercial-vehicles-1258003.php |access-date=April 24, 2024 |work=The Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=December 6, 2007 |archive-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424211339/https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/i-5-reopens-to-commercial-vehicles-1258003.php |url-status=live }} The freeway was fully open to private passenger vehicles the next day though speed limits were reduced. The airport reopened in a week and it was recorded that the airfield was underwater by as much {{convert|8|ft|m|1}} with {{convert|2|in|cm}} of silt and mud covering the runway.{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Chehalis-Centralia Airport Back Open |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/chehalis-centralia-airport-back-open,205223? |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 12, 2007}}
Within a week, Lewis County was granted aid under state and federal emergency declarations, with parts of the aid operation overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which provided food and emergency services; FEMA later expanded the aid to include cleanup and repairs regarding infrastructure.{{cite news |last1=Ammons |first1=David |title=Storm aid to state boosted |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/storm-aid-to-state-boosted-1259299.php |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Seattle Post-Intelligencer |agency=Associated Press |date=December 19, 2007 |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425154248/https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/storm-aid-to-state-boosted-1259299.php |url-status=live }} The financial aid included loans to businesses, farmers, and residents for repairs to their property or to help offset economic losses incurred. Lewis County was specifically granted cash grants up to $28,800 for residents to pay for immediate necessities or repairs.{{cite news |last1=Schreiber |first1=Dan |title=Bush Approves FEMA Cash Grants |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/bush-approves-fema-cash-grants,205306? |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 10, 2007}} The governor, Christine Gregoire, along with senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray and other federal representatives, toured the city.{{cite news |last1=Wong |first1=Brad |title=Bush declares state flooding major disaster; funds on way |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/bush-declares-state-flooding-major-disaster-1258222.php |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=December 8, 2007 |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425154249/https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/bush-declares-state-flooding-major-disaster-1258222.php |url-status=live }}
The event was due in part to the Great Coastal Gale of 2007, which produced {{convert|22|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rainfall in the Upper Chehalis Basin.{{cite news |last1=Godwin |first1=Mandy |title=When the Chehalis floods again, who pays the price? |url=https://crosscut.com/2020/05/when-chehalis-floods-again-who-pays-price |access-date=May 14, 2024 |work=Crosscut - Cascade PBS |date=May 13, 2020}} The severity of the disaster was also connected to global warming and a combination of poor floodplain development and logging practices.{{cite news |last1=van Schagen |first1=Sarah |title=Massive flooding in western Washington linked to man-made causes |url=https://grist.org/article/playing-the-blame-game/ |access-date=July 17, 2023 |work=Grist |date=January 10, 2009 |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717195953/https://grist.org/article/playing-the-blame-game/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Mapes |first1=Lynda V. |title=Did development, logging set the stage for disaster? |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=20071209&slug=flood09m |access-date=June 13, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times |date=December 9, 2007}} In opposition, local officials stated that developers in the city are mandated to exceed the requirements to build in a flood-prone area.
The total cost of damages was estimated by a state commission to be $930 million and 100 homes in the region were demolished.{{rp|126}} Between the Twin Cities, 220 business suffered damages, which included a combined loss of $6.8 million to the local landmark shopping centers, Sunbirds and Yard Birds Mall.{{cite news |last1=Nile |first1=Amy |title=Twin Cities Businesses Prepare for Next Flood |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2012/12-13/page-10 |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 13, 2012 |page=5}} Due to the closure of the highway, approximately $4 million of daily economic losses to the state were estimated and repairs to the freeway in Chehalis were assessed to cost several hundred thousand dollars.{{cite news |last1=Stiffler |first1=Lisa |title=A wet, rough portion of I-5 is back open for business |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/a-wet-rough-portion-of-i-5-is-back-open-for-1258060.php |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=December 7, 2007 |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425160727/https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/a-wet-rough-portion-of-i-5-is-back-open-for-1258060.php |url-status=live }}
Two months after the record flood of 2007, the USGS determined the disaster to likely be classified as a 500-year flood.{{cite news |last1=Schreiber |first1=Dan |title=USGS: Flood Was Likely a 500-Year Event |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/usgs-flood-was-likely-a-500-year-event,203254? |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 7, 2008}}
==Flood of 2009==
Another major flood materialized in January 2009, with the Chehalis River reaching a high of {{convert|72.5|ft|m|1}}{{cite news |last1=Allen |first1=Marqise |title=After Downpours, Only Normal Drizzles Ahead |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/after-downpours-only-normal-drizzles-ahead,193846? |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 9, 2009}} and the Newaukum cresting at approximately {{convert|2.5|ft|m|1}} over its flood stage.{{cite news |last1=Decker |first1=Sharyn L. |title=Newaukum River's Rise Leaves Minimal Damage |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/newaukum-rivers-rise-leaves-minimal-damage,193654? |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 16, 2009}} The event was based on heavy rain and a warm weather event that led to sudden snowmelt. Several regions within Chehalis were immersed and rail lines were shut down, as well as {{convert|20|mi}} of the interstate, which was covered by as much as {{convert|3|ft|m|1}} of water.{{cite news |title=Roads slowly reopen in storm-hit Washington |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28541070 |access-date=July 17, 2023 |work=NBC News |agency=Associated Press |date=January 7, 2009 |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717195952/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28541070 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Northwest floods close roads, stall commerce |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28578505 |access-date=July 17, 2023 |work=NBC News |agency=Associated Press |date=January 9, 2009 |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717195954/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28578505 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Lange |first1=Larry |title=Solution to flooding problem a long way off |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/solution-to-flooding-problem-a-long-way-off-1297019.php |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=January 8, 2009 |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425151908/https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/solution-to-flooding-problem-a-long-way-off-1297019.php |url-status=live }} Lowlands around the Dillenbaugh Creek watershed were underwater and residential roads near the Government and Pennsylvania-Westside districts experienced some minor submergence. The fairgrounds and airport levees held and little damage was reported at the Twin Cities Town Center.{{cite news |last1=Schreiber |first1=Dan |title=Chehalis Ducks Anticipated Disaster Damage |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/chehalis-ducks-anticipated-disaster-damage,193853? |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 9, 2009}}
Governor Gregoire visited the city a few days after the waters receded.{{cite news |author1=Casey McNerthney |author2=Amy Rolph |title=I-5 reopened, but work on flood cleanup just beginning |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/i-5-reopened-but-work-on-flood-cleanup-just-1297069.php |access-date=April 24, 2024 |work=The Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=January 9, 2009 |archive-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424211339/https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/i-5-reopened-but-work-on-flood-cleanup-just-1297069.php |url-status=live }} The city council declared a local state of emergency days after the event as a step to be eligible for federal relief funds.{{cite news |last1=Schwatrz |first1=Eric |title=Chehalis Officially Declares Emergency |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/chehalis-officially-declares-emergency,193766? |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 13, 2009}} Initially, despite a combined loss of over $9 million in business and residential damages, state and federal emergency declarations were not announced;{{cite news |last1=Stanton |first1=Carrina |title=Help May Be on the Way |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/help-may-be-on-the-way,193585? |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 17, 2009}} two interconnecting federal emergency declarations were declared at the end of the month and in March, allowing funding and assistance provided via FEMA to proceed.{{cite news |last1=Schreiber |first1=Dan |title=Friday, 6:18 p.m. -- Obama Declares Disaster for Lewis County |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/friday-618-pm-obama-declares-disaster-for-lewis-county,193242? |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 30, 2009}}{{cite news |last1=Schreiber |first1=Dan |title=FEMA Returns to Lewis County |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/fema-returns-to-lewis-county,193139? |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 3, 2009}}{{cite news |last1=Schwartz |first1=Eric |title=Obama Declares Disaster, Again |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/obama-declares-disaster-again,192327? |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=March 3, 2009}}
Similar to the 2007 event, reiterated concerns were brought up regarding the increase in flooding in the valley, specifically the logging practice of clearcutting and the conversion of floodplains for development.{{cite news |last1=McClure |first1=Robert |title=Blame recurring floods on a triple whammy |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/Blame-recurring-floods-on-a-triple-whammy-1297026.php |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=January 8, 2009 |archive-date=April 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425151906/https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/Blame-recurring-floods-on-a-triple-whammy-1297026.php |url-status=live }}
=2010s=
A less severe flood transpired during record daily rainfall in December 2010,{{cite news |title=Storms bring flood threat to Wash., Ore. rivers |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna40630310 |access-date=July 17, 2023 |work=NBC News |agency=Associated Press |date=December 12, 2010 |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717195955/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna40630310 |url-status=live }} and {{convert|17|in|mm|abbr=on}} of precipitation led to another flood in November 2012.{{cite news |author1=NBC News staff and news services |title=Storm slams Pacific Northwest with record rain, wind; at least one dead |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/storm-slams-pacific-northwest-record-rain-wind-least-one-dead-flna1c7165140 |access-date=July 17, 2023 |work=NBC News |date=November 20, 2012 |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717195957/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/storm-slams-pacific-northwest-record-rain-wind-least-one-dead-flna1c7165140 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Sunde |first1=Scott |title=Ice storm hits region |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/Ice-storm-hits-region-2614216.php |access-date=April 24, 2024 |work=The Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=January 19, 2012 |archive-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424205906/https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/Ice-storm-hits-region-2614216.php |url-status=live }} Heavy rain led to only a moderate flood event in December 2015 that submerged several homes and businesses in the area.{{cite news |last1=Chen |first1=Natasha |title=Water surrounds homes in Southwestern Washington, more rain expected |url=https://www.kiro7.com/news/water-surrounds-homes-southwestern-washington-more/19124769/ |access-date=July 17, 2023 |work=KIRO 7 News (Seattle, Washington) |date=December 10, 2015 |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717195956/https://www.kiro7.com/news/water-surrounds-homes-southwestern-washington-more/19124769/ |url-status=live }} Several residents had to be evacuated.{{cite news |title=Washington gov. declares weather emergency |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/12/10/washington-gov-declares-weather-emergency/77081310/ |access-date=April 24, 2024 |work=USA Today |publisher=King 5 News (Seattle) |date=December 10, 2015 |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407133151/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/12/10/washington-gov-declares-weather-emergency/77081310/ |url-status=live }} The rainfall was expected to be significantly worse and severe warnings were sent out to the public. However, the Chehalis and Newaukum rivers reached just above their flood stages as the anticipated precipitation did not unfold.{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Flood Central: All Local Rivers Have Crested, Receding |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/flood-central-all-local-rivers-have-crested-receding,66389? |access-date=June 13, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 10, 2015}}{{cite news |last1=Tomtas |first1=Justyna |title=Chehalis River Receding After Closing Roads in South Thurston County |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/chehalis-river-receding-after-closing-roads-in-south-thurston-county,66388 |access-date=June 13, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 10, 2015}}
=2020s=
A stretch of I-5 between Chehalis and Centralia was closed for several hours after a major flood in January 2022. The closure was a measure of precaution. The highway was never flooded but several exits and on-ramps were partially submerged.{{cite news |last1=Horne |first1=Deborah |title=Lewis County hard hit by flooding |url=https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/flooding-closes-20-mile-stretch-i-5-lewis-county/VYEBKRY3GZEB7KMTPGFODCTXWE/ |access-date=July 17, 2023 |work=KIRO 7 News (Seattle, Washington) |date=January 7, 2022 |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717195953/https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/flooding-closes-20-mile-stretch-i-5-lewis-county/VYEBKRY3GZEB7KMTPGFODCTXWE/ |url-status=live }} The flood was created by excessive snowmelt and heavy rainfall, leading to a retroactive emergency proclamation from the state governor.{{cite news |author1=Antonio Planas |author2=Phil Helsel |title=Flooding in Washington state shuts down interstate, forces evacuations |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/rising-floodwaters-prompt-closing-interstate-closure-evaucations-washi-rcna11413 |access-date=July 17, 2023 |work=NBC News |date=January 7, 2022 |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717195956/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/rising-floodwaters-prompt-closing-interstate-closure-evaucations-washi-rcna11413 |url-status=live }} The Newaukum River broke its crest record set in 1996{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Flood Central: Rivers Have Crested Across Basin |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/flood-central-newaukum-river-set-to-reach-all-time-high-major-flooding-predicted-on-chehalis,282075 |access-date=July 17, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 6, 2022 |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717195953/https://www.chronline.com/stories/flood-central-newaukum-river-set-to-reach-all-time-high-major-flooding-predicted-on-chehalis,282075 |url-status=live }} and floodwaters reached as far into the city as the Lewis County Courthouse. Five miles of railroad track used by the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad and Museum were washed out.{{cite news |last1=Vander Stoep |first1=Isabel |title=Flood Causes Washouts on Chehalis-Centralia Railroad Line, Scenic Rides to Be Postponed |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/flood-causes-washouts-on-chehalis-centralia-railroad-line-scenic-rides-to-be-postponed,282619 |access-date=July 17, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 14, 2022 |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717195955/https://www.chronline.com/stories/flood-causes-washouts-on-chehalis-centralia-railroad-line-scenic-rides-to-be-postponed,282619 |url-status=live }} The severity of the flood led to the Red Cross opening a shelter at the fairgrounds and the deployment of the Washington National Guard to help with sandbag operations. Several weeks after the 2022 flood, over 100 structures of various homes and businesses within the Chehalis River Basin had reported damage, with an estimated financial loss of over $2 million.{{cite news |author1=Emily Fitzgerald |author2=Eric Rosane |title=So Far 120 Homes, Structures Reporting Damage Totaling at Least $2 Million From January Flooding |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/so-far-120-homes-structures-reporting-damage-totaling-at-least-2-million-from-january-flooding,283395 |access-date=July 17, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 26, 2022 |archive-date=July 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717195956/https://www.chronline.com/stories/so-far-120-homes-structures-reporting-damage-totaling-at-least-2-million-from-january-flooding,283395 |url-status=live }}
Chehalis underwent minor water inundation from excessive precipitation during the 2023 Pacific Northwest floods event. Homes and businesses located near W.F. West High School experienced approximately {{convert|1|foot|abbr=off}} of flood depth, and the accumulation was due in part to an unnamed creek in the area unable to handle the additional flow of water. The extreme rainfall was caused by an atmospheric river and led to flood warnings of the Newaukum River.{{cite news |last1=Vander Stoep |first1=Isabel |title=Rainstorms fill rivers, soak Lewis County with surface flooding |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/rainstorms-fill-rivers-soak-lewis-county-with-surface-flooding,330513 |access-date=December 11, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 6, 2023 |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211192512/https://www.chronline.com/stories/rainstorms-fill-rivers-soak-lewis-county-with-surface-flooding,330513 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Phair |first1=Vonna |title=What to know about flooding in Western WA |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/weather/what-to-know-about-flooding-in-western-wa/ |access-date=December 11, 2023 |work=The Seattle Times |date=December 6, 2023 |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211192548/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/weather/what-to-know-about-flooding-in-western-wa/ |url-status=live }}
History of flood mitigation
=20th century=
File:Airport Levee Trail, Chehalis, Washington.jpg
After the 1933 flood, a bill was introduced in 1934 in the federal legislature asking for $7.5 million in funds to construct a variety of flood and water control measures of waterways in the region, including dams, improving navigation in rivers, and repairing watersheds, with special attention on soil erosion and protecting the local agriculture.{{cite news |title=A Detailed Flood Survey Of Southwest Washington Counties Requested |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h4A9AAAAIBAJ |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Chehalis Bee-Nugget |date=January 19, 1934 |page=1 |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204214230/https://books.google.com/books?id=h4A9AAAAIBAJ |url-status=live }} Based on a survey of the 1933 event, another federal bill followed a year later once again requesting flood control for the Chehalis River.{{cite news |title=Flood Control Bill Asked In Congress |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PBZSAAAAIBAJ |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Chehalis Bee-Nugget |date=February 22, 1935 |page=5 |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426094429/https://books.google.com/books?id=PBZSAAAAIBAJ |url-status=live }} A meeting was held with the United States Department of Agriculture and War Department at the Lewis County Courthouse in 1937, to advise and explain the loss of farmland and subsequent costs of flood damages in the Chehalis basin.{{cite news |title=Floods Costing Area $297,000 |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/chehalis/chehalis-bee-nugget/1937/04-23/page-11 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |work=The Chehalis Bee-Nugget |date=April 23, 1937 |page=1}}
During World War II, the Department of War and the Army Corps of Engineers built levees around the Chehalis–Centralia Airport{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Chehalis Basin Strategy progress in review: Chehalis-Centralia Airport pump station replacement |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/chehalis-basin-strategy-progress-in-review-chehalis-centralia-airport-pump-station-replacement,323239 |access-date=August 14, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=August 4, 2023 |archive-date=August 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230814211332/https://www.chronline.com/stories/chehalis-basin-strategy-progress-in-review-chehalis-centralia-airport-pump-station-replacement,323239 |url-status=live }} and in 1942 installed a levee pump. During severe flooding from the Great Coastal Gale of 2007, the pump failed forcing an intentional break of the levee leading to increased damages to the community. An electric two-pump station was completed in 2018 with funding provided by the Chehalis River Basin Authority at a cost of $1.14 million.{{cite news |last1=Zylstra |first1=Matthew |title=New Pumping System Proves Its Worth After January Flooding Event |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/new-pumping-system-proves-its-worth-after-january-flooding-event,287563 |access-date=August 14, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 6, 2022 |archive-date=August 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230814212323/https://www.chronline.com/stories/new-pumping-system-proves-its-worth-after-january-flooding-event,287563 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Our Views: Chehalis-Centralia Airport Pump Project Just One Success Story |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/our-views-chehalis-centralia-airport-pump-project-just-one-success-story,263189? |access-date=August 14, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230814212327/https://www.chronline.com/stories/our-views-chehalis-centralia-airport-pump-project-just-one-success-story,263189 |url-status=live }} The pumps, able to siphon as much as 12,000 gallons per minute, worked flawlessly during the January 2022 flood event.
After the repeated floods in the 1970s, renewed calls were made for reducing the economic and social impacts of flooding. An ongoing survey since the 1950s, known as the Upper Chehalis Basin Project, was pushed for finalization. The dormant plans included a storage dam that could also be used as a source of irrigation.{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle editorial staff |title=Chehalis Basin Push Needed |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1972/01-27/page-4 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=January 27, 1972 |page=4}} Additional ideas during this time were calls for more dikes on the local river systems, deepening the Chehalis River, and legal restrictions on building in the floodplain.{{cite news |last1=Minnick |first1=Ed |title=Following The Furrow |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-daily-chronicle/1972/01-31/page-2 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=The Daily Chronicle |date=January 31, 1972 |page=2}} Most of the plans or ideas were considered too costly at the time by the Army Corps of Engineers, including expenditures on check dams and additional dikes that would outweigh the potential return in local economic benefits.{{cite news |last1=Atkins |first1=John |title=Flood Control Projects 'Too Costly' |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/pasco/tri-city-herald/1972/02-28/page-14 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=Tri-City Herald |agency=Associate Press |publisher=The Chronicle |date=February 28, 1972 |page=14}}
Flood control measures, including levees, dams, and relocations, were repeatedly rejected by various local groups, as well as regional, state, and federal governments and agencies between the 1960s and into the 1980s. Funding and permission to build levees around the Twin Cities were finally approved by the federal government, but it was found that the project would not protect the highway and would make flooding worse outside of the levee zone. Recommendations sent to the state legislature from a joint committee formed after the January 1990 flood produced no plans after two years of efforts.{{cite news |last1=Vowell |first1=Michele |title=Local officials to discuss flooding |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1996/04-04/page-1 |access-date=June 18, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 4, 1996 |page=1}} A Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan (CFHMP) was initiated as well and completed in 1994. The plan was required at the time for any potential state funding for future flood control maintenance and the report specifically mentioned that despite several studies and promises for over 60 years, no actual flood control solutions had been implemented.{{cite news |last1=Vowell |first1=Michele |title=The Great Floods - Educating the public is primary technique used for flood prevention in the Lewis County area |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1996/02-24/page-1 |access-date=June 20, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 24, 1996 |pages=A1, A8}}
Beginning in 1991, in order to protect the Chehalis Industrial Park and salmon runs through the area, flood control work was begun on Dillenbaugh Creek, a {{convert|17|sqmi}} watershed near the Port of Chehalis; the project was unregulated but later approved by the state. The Lewis County Flood Control District began work on salmon habitat restoration and flood control on the creek in the late 1990s. Additional flood trenches, with focus on maintaining a healthy salmon migration route, were constructed into the early 2000s.
Government and community meetings months after the 100-year flood of 1996 reiterated the lack of funding for large flood control projects and encouraged public outreach and education and the flood-proofing of buildings. The first website with information on the conditions of local rivers and flood programs was created.{{cite news |last1=Vowell |first1=Michele |title=Money is lacking to pay for plans to control floods |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1996/04-09 |access-date=June 20, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 9, 1996 |pages=A1, A12}} The city submitted a request for the state to purchase $1.4 million worth of homes and property in flood prone areas in Chehalis.{{cite news |last1=Henderer |first1=John |title=Chehalis submits buyout application |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1996/09-10/page-3 |access-date=June 20, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=September 10, 1996 |page=A3}} After the small 1997 flood, the Twin Cities announced an attempt for a flood zone tax district and the county reproposed several flood control efforts including diverting around or removing a bend in the Chehalis River near the Skookumchuck conjunction.{{cite news |last1=Nelson |first1=Johnathon |title=County reviewing flood control proposals |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1997/01-07/page-3 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 7, 1997 |page=A3}}
=21st century=
Following the 2003 flood, FEMA released new flood maps for the Newaukum River that also included its forks near Forest, Washington; flood maps in the area had not been updated since the 1970s.{{cite news |last1=Mittge |first1=Brian |title=Feds unveil new flood maps |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2003/07-17/page-1 |access-date=May 28, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=July 17, 2003 |pages=A1, A11}} In the same year a $30 million plan was authorized by the state legislature meant to expand the Skoomkumchuck Dam (built 1970) and build levees;{{cite news |last1=Mittge |first1=Brian |title=Fighting floods |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2004/12-11 |access-date=May 28, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 11, 2004}} it was rejected by the county, as well as the cities of Centralia and Chehalis, due to concerns of future maintenance costs. Another plan was agreed upon in 2005 by another commission, the Chehalis River Flood Reduction Project, that included designs for new levees and improvements to the Skookumchuck Dam. It failed to move forward due to complications from the planned widening of the interstate, the find of a potential archaeological site at the Chehalis and Skookumchuck junction, and failed funding for the $100 million project.{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle editorial staff |title=Flood reduction on Chehalis seems mission impossible |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2005/02-22/page-6 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=February 22, 2005 |page=6}}
In 2006, expected supplemental funding of up to $30 million to build the embankments were changed to other projects in the state after the annual budget bill was passed. A late legislative request earmarked $2.5 million to make improvements to Airport Road around the airfield.{{cite news |last1=Olson |first1=Erik |title=Flood project barely afloat |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2006/04-01/page-1 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 1, 2006 |pages=A1, A11}} By the end of 2006, during another flood event, Chehalis and Centralia opted out of a joint "Flood Control Plan" with Lewis County meant to improve and build levees and to provide flood protection upgrades to the dam. The refusal was based on concerns the project did not take into account other areas of need, and that the financial return was not worth the upfront costs.{{cite news |last1=Haines |first1=Amanda |title=County flood plan dead in the water |url=https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/2006/11-07/page-3 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=November 7, 2006 |page=A3}}
The severity of the 2007 submergence, connected to increases in building up of the floodplain, led to another attempt of a suspension of allowed construction in the watershed. Despite talks over bans since the 1986 flood, city officials denied that the use of fill had any major impact and that the need to build on flood lands were necessary for the city's economy. Planned FEMA flood maps, which were in the process of being updated since 2005, incorporated details of the 2007 flood into the maps, with particular attention to areas in Chehalis that had no previous record of being submerged.{{cite news |last1=Schwartz |first1=Eric |title=After Three Decades, New Flood Maps Coming |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/after-three-decades-new-flood-maps-coming,203999? |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=January 16, 2008}}
In addition to the 2007 flood, the 2009 event, which shut down I-5 for the fourth time since 1990, spurred the reintroduction of plans to raise the height of levees, and built additional embankments, in the region. Limited funding was provided for extra gauges and better warning systems. The potential project for the Skookumchuck Dam, meant to increase the amount of water the dam could hold, was reintroduced, and a new flood district, with the ability to raise taxes, was proposed. Proposals in the 2010s by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) centered on protecting I-5, either by widening and raising the highway, or building additional levees or walls. The projects, estimated to cost as much as $550 million, was locally rejected due to the focus on the interstate, rather than an approach of a basin-wide strategy.{{cite news |last1=Fortis |first1=Bianca |title=Chehalis-area leaders slam state projects for I-5 flood control |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/chehalis-area-leaders-slam-state-projects-for-i-5-flood-control/ |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times |date=August 25, 2012}}
After the 2009 flood, federal funding of $1.7 million was authorized to continue to study flood mitigation in the Twin Cities.{{cite news |last1=Schwatrz |first1=Eric |title=Federal Spending Bill Includes Flood Money |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/federal-spending-bill-includes-flood-money,192050? |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=March 12, 2009}} A bill restricting development in 100-year floodplains was passed by the House of the state legislature, though it was opposed by local representatives over concerns that the bill intruded on local government rights.{{cite news |last1=Schwartz |first1=Eric |title=Floodplain Development Restrictions Pass House |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/floodplain-development-restrictions-pass-house,192047? |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=March 12, 2009}} A state Senate bill was also passed, allowing for the potential creation of a flood district with taxing power between counties in the Chehalis River basin.{{cite news |last1=Schwatrz |first1=Eric |title=Senate Paves Way for Flood District |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/senate-paves-way-for-flood-district,192168? |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=March 9, 2009}} The unanimously passed bill died in the House after it was deemed unacceptable to a voting bloc of representatives after changes to the bill, particularly the voting of memberships to the district board, were introduced in a committee.{{cite news |title=Flood District Bill Is Derailed in State House |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/flood-district-bill-is-derailed-in-state-house,191393? |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 2, 2009}}{{cite news |last1=Schwartz |first1=Eric |title=Flood District Bill Dies in Committee |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/flood-district-bill-dies-in-committee,190907? |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=April 20, 2009}} Official drafts of FEMA flood maps were released at the end of 2010 after being delayed to incorporate new information from the major floods in the 2000s. The updated maps almost doubled the amount of flood prone, floodplain, and floodway areas in the city.{{cite news |last1=Allen |first1=Marqise |title=Official Draft Floodplain Maps Released |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/official-draft-floodplain-maps-released,171010? |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=November 19, 2010}}{{cite news |last1=Brewer |first1=Christopher |title=FEMA Maps Could Devastate County |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/fema-maps-could-devastate-county,168059? |work=The Chronicle |date=February 11, 2011}}
The levees at the Chehalis—Centralia Airport were widened from {{Convert|15|ft|m|abbr=}} to {{convert|30|ft|m|1}} beginning in 2013. The efforts were part of a two-phase, $1.2 million project to increase the levee structure's size, providing additional flood protection to the transportation hub and surrounding business district. The {{convert|1.8|mi|adj=on}} long earthen system was planned to protect the surrounding area from a 50-year flood event.{{cite news |last1=Spurr |first1=Kyle |title=Widening of Airport Levee Delayed Until Next Summer |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/widening-of-airport-levee-delayed-until-next-summer,92098? |access-date=May 29, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=November 2, 2013}}
A partnership study that accounted for climate change was released in 2022 and recommended the city and surrounding area to prepare for more major floods by increasing stormwater drainage, reducing timber production to allow for more old-growth forests, eliminating clearcutting, and suggesting an increase in floodproofing homes and businesses.
=Chehalis Basin Flood Authority and Strategy=
The Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority (CRBFA), which is overseen and funded by the Washington Department of Ecology Office of Chehalis Basin (OCB), directs flood control measures, flooding concerns, and advance flood warnings for the Chehalis River watershed. Beginning in 2010, Chehalis residents can be alerted via email by the authority's online flood warning system known as the Chehalis Basin Flood Warning System (FWS). The FWS provides information on rainfall, temperature, and river and stream gauge readings in the area.{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Strategy in review: Chehalis Basin Flood Warning System wins National Operational Excellence Award |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/strategy-in-review-chehalis-basin-flood-warning-system-wins-national-operational-excellence-award,330168 |access-date=February 1, 2024 |work=The Chronicle |date=December 1, 2023 |archive-date=February 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201181120/https://www.chronline.com/stories/strategy-in-review-chehalis-basin-flood-warning-system-wins-national-operational-excellence-award,330168 |url-status=live }}
As part of the CRBFA is the Chehalis Basin Strategy, a partnership formed in 2014 to mitigate flooding and to restore aquatic habitat, particularly for local Chinook salmon. The alliance is a conglomerate of regional governments in and around Lewis County, in association with Native American tribes, environmental groups, scientists, and local citizens{{cite web |title=Learn about how you can help ensure a prosperous future for the Chehalis Basin |url=https://www.chehalisriveralliance.org/learn-more |website=Chehalis River Alliance |access-date=July 27, 2023 |archive-date=July 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727175611/https://www.chehalisriveralliance.org/learn-more |url-status=live }} The group offered proposals that outlined several flood control reduction measures, with downstream levee improvements especially at the Chehalis–Centralia Airport, and a flood retention dam in Pe Ell which is expected to limit catastrophic damage from 100-year floods within the Chehalis River Basin.{{cite web|url=https://chehalisbasinstrategy.com/|title=Chehalis Basin Strategy|publisher=Chehalis Basin Strategy|access-date=June 27, 2023|archive-date=June 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622141348/https://chehalisbasinstrategy.com/|url-status=live}}{{cite news |author1=Eric Rosane |author2=Claudia Yaw |title=$70 Million Chehalis Basin Board Budget Stalled |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/70-million-chehalis-basin-board-budget-stalled,269483 |access-date=July 25, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=July 21, 2021 |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725191012/https://www.chronline.com/stories/70-million-chehalis-basin-board-budget-stalled,269483 |url-status=live }}
The projects are to be carried out in three phases. The first phase began in 2012 and declared complete in the early 2020s with a combined 140 flood and habitat projects completed at a cost of $152 million. The second stage was implemented soon thereafter and is focused on long-term solutions and strategy for flood control and financial backing of future tasks. The final phase is planned to begin in the mid-2020s and will target construction, additional financing, and devising long-term structural government oversight.{{cite news |author1=The Chronicle staff |title=Chehalis Basin Strategy Submits Status Report to Washington State Legislature |url=https://www.chronline.com/stories/chehalis-basin-strategy-submits-status-report-to-washington-state-legislature,321748 |access-date=July 18, 2023 |work=The Chronicle |date=July 3, 2023 |archive-date=July 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718190324/https://www.chronline.com/stories/chehalis-basin-strategy-submits-status-report-to-washington-state-legislature,321748 |url-status=live }}
See also
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://chehalis.onerain.com/ Chehalis Basin Flood Warning System (FWS)]
- [http://www.chehalisriverflood.org/ Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority - Inundation Map]
- [https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/82ff36c7791b43e0a11e29903e276c4a City and Port of Chehalis Flood Strategy and Investment Plan]
- [https://www.newspaperarchive.com/us/washington/centralia/centralia-chronicle/1996/02-17/page-37 The Chronicle - The Record Flood of 1996 commemorative section]
- [https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=txa.ark:/81423/m3hn19&seq=1 FEMA - Flood Insurance Study 1979. City of Chehalis, Washington, Lewis County]
- [https://rivers.lewiscountywa.gov/#/ Lewis County Rivers - Dashboard]
- [https://pubs.usgs.gov/wsp/0968b/report.pdf United States Department of the Interior - Floods of the Puyallup and Chehalis Rivers Basins study, 1944]
{{Chehalis, Washington|state=collapsed}}
Category:Natural disasters in Washington (state)
Category:Environmental issues in Washington (state)
Category:Water in Washington (state)