Thurston County, Washington

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Thurston County Washington

Emergency Management

Nisqually River

Flooding on the Nisqually River is primarily influenced by natural watershed conditions, including heavy rainfall, snowmelt, tributary inflows, saturated ground conditions, and tidal influences in the Nisqually Delta.  Feeder streams including Ohop, Yelm, and Tanwax creeks can significantly affect river levels during storm events.  River flows throughout the basin may also be influenced by upstream reservoirs and hydroelectric facilities. .

The National Weather Service issues a flood warning for the Nisqually River when their forecast model indicates the river will reach a stage of 12 feet or higher at the McKenna gauge. Minor flooding (low-lying roads and pasturelands) occurs when the flow rate at La Grande exceeds about 8,000 cfs (cubic feet per second) or a gauge height of about 8.75 feet at the McKenna gauge. Moderate flooding (individual residences are threatened) in Thurston County occurs when the flow rate exceeds about 15,000 cfs or a reading of 10 feet or over at the McKenna gauge. A high tide could flood the banks at Hayko Lane, 6th Avenue, Riverbend Campground and Riverside Manor apartments. Major flooding (widespread threat to communities and major thoroughfares) occurs when the flow rate tops 16,500 cfs or a gauge height of 10.5 feet at McKenna.

Recently work was done in the Nisqually Delta to restore the natural estuary habitat. It is unknown exactly how this reclamation will affect the anticipated flooding impact levels shown below.

Draft Evacuation Maps

 

View the river gauge for the Nisqually River at McKenna.