Flood Warning Issued for Skookumchuck River Near Bucoda Through Sunday Morning

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Seattle WA has issued a Flood Warning for the Skookumchuck River near Bucoda. This alert is classified as a severe threat with minor flooding forecast for the region.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically affects the Skookumchuck River near Bucoda in Thurston County. The NWS also noted the Newaukum River near Chehalis affecting Lewis County is under monitoring.

What You Should Do

Motorists are urged to follow the safety mantra: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Residents should not attempt to drive around barricades or navigate cars through flooded areas. Avoid low-lying pasture lands and roads near the riverbanks.

Expected Conditions

Minor flooding is anticipated as the river rises. As of 7:45 AM PDT Friday, the river stage was recorded at 210.1 feet. The flood stage is 211.5 feet. The river is forecast to rise above flood stage late this afternoon and reach a crest of 213.0 feet late tomorrow morning. At levels of 211.5 feet, the Skookumchuck River will flood several roads and low pasture lands near Bucoda.

Timeline

The Flood Warning is effective starting at 4:50 PM PDT on Friday, March 13. The river is expected to fall below flood stage early Sunday morning, with the warning officially ending at 8:31 AM PDT on March 15, 2026.