Campers near Gold Bar had to be rescued after the Skykomish River reached flood stage Monday night.
GOLD BAR, Wash. — Two campers were rescued from flood waters in Gold Bar after an atmospheric river resulted in major flooding along the Skykomish on Monday night.
The campers were rescued by a Snohomish Fire boat and the female was taken to Evergreen Health Monroe to be evaluated. A deputy who assisted with the rescue said the campers believed they were on high enough ground, but they turned out to be mistaken.
The Skykomish River, and other local rivers, are expected to flood through much of the rest of this week as an atmospheric river dumps inches of rain onto the lowlands.
Snohomish County deputies were dispatched Monday night to warn residents in Gold Bar of imminent flooding from the nearby Wallace River, which is connected to the Skykomish.
Roads were closed in the immediate area due to flooding. Officials say the river dike remains intact.
Atmospheric river increases landslide, flooding risks
All of western Washington is under a flood watch through Friday. Additionally, Flood Warnings were issued for a handful of rivers on Monday night.
At least nine rivers are forecasted to reach “major” flood stage this week. The National Weather Service also warned that the potential for landslides and debris flows, especially over burn scars, will increase with the drenching rain.
The NWS predicts heavy rains will persist through mid-week, with more potential for showers on Thursday and Friday.
The National Weather Service warns residents to never drive or walk through flood waters. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that most flood-related deaths occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous water, or when people are attempting to walk through or near flood waters. Six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. Just 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars.