Skookumchuck River

The National Weather Service issues a flood warning for the Skookumchuck River when their forecast model indicates the river will reach a stage of 13.5 feet at the gage near Bucoda.

Minor flooding (low-lying roads and pasturelands) occurs at a gage height of about 13.5 feet at the gage near Bucoda.  Moderate flooding (individual residences are threatened) occurs at about 15.5 feet, and major flooding (widespread threat to communities and major thoroughfares) at 17 feet.

 

Skookumchuck River Gage Four Miles Downstream from Bucoda

 

Skookumchuck River near Bucoda

Source: National Weather Service, Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (click graph to open site)
Graph above reloads every three minutes

 
Historical Crests Feet

Anticipated Impacts
02/08/1996 17.87  
01/08/2009 17.72  
  17.6 The Skookumchuck River in Thurston County will cause severe near record flooding in the Bucoda area, with deep and swift flood waters inundating residential and business areas and numerous roads. Flooding will occur all along the river including headwaters, tributaries and other streams within and near the Skookumchuck River Basin.
01/10/1990 17.33  
11/25/1990 17.23  
  17 MAJOR FLOOD STAGE  The Skookumchuck River in Thurston County will cause major flooding in the Bucoda area...with deep and swift flood waters inundating residential and business areas and numerous roads. Flooding will occur all along the river including headwaters, tributaries and other streams within and near the Skookumchuck River Basin.
01/21/1972 16.82  
  15 MODERATE FLOOD STAGE  The Skookumchuck River in Thurston County will flood several residential and business areas around Bucoda. Flood waters will cover many roads
  13.5 FLOOD STAGE  The Skookumchuck River in Thurston County will flood a few roads and low pasture lands near Bucoda.
  11.5 ACTION STAGE

 

Skookumchuck River Gage in Centralia at Pearl Street Bridge

 

Skookumchuck River near Bucoda

Source: National Weather Service, Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (click graph to open site)
Graph above reloads every three minutes
Historical Crests Feet

Anticipated Impacts
  87.4 The Skookumchuck River will cause severe record flooding in Centralia and the surrounding area. The river will flood most residential areas and roads and cover most of the farmland in the Skookumchuck River valley. Flooding will occur all along the river including headwaters, tributaries and other streams within and near the Skookumchuck River Basin. A stage of 87.4 feet corresponds to a Phase IV flood in the Lewis County flood warning system.
02/08/1996 87.27  
01/10/1990 87.1  
  86.9 MAJOR FLOOD STAGE  The Skookumchuck River will cause major flooding in Centralia and the surrounding area. The river will flood many roads and residential areas and cover much of the farmland in the Skookumchuck River valley. Flooding will occur all along the river including headwaters, tributaries and other streams within and near the Skookumchuck River Basin. A stage of 86.9 feet corresponds to a Phase III flood in the Lewis County flood warning system.
04/05/1991 86.68  
01/21/1972 86.6  
01/09/2009 86.58  
  86 MODERATE FLOOD STAGE
  85 FLOOD STAGE  The Skookumchuck River in Lewis County will flood several roads and farm lands near Centralia. A stage of 85.2 feet corresponds to a Phase II flood in the Lewis County flood system.
  83.2 The Skookumchuck River in Lewis county will spill into low areas along the river near Centralia. This river level on the Skookumchuck corresponds to a Phase I flood in the Lewis County flood system.
  81 ACTION STAGE
 

Skookumchuck River Gage below Bloody Run Creek, Eight Miles Upstream of Bucoda

 

Source: National Weather Service, Northwest River Forecast Center (click graph to open site)
Graph above reloads every three minutes

Note: Flood prediction is not an exact science. Although gage readings and historical data are excellent forecasting tools, please remember that rivers continually change. There are also local factors that can contribute to flooding such as stream and creek discharge into a river, snowmelt and damming caused by fallen trees and other debris. Therefore, during flood situations floodplain residents should not rely solely on gage readings and historical flood levels, but should keep an eye on the river and stay tuned to local media reports.

During flood situations, Thurston County Emergency Management posts additional information and media releases on its emergency information page.

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