Okanogan River

The Okanogan River has receded from its emergency flood stage seen for several weeks in May. Left behind are the memories and high-water marks of floods and natural disasters past.

A week ago, forecasters were predicting the Okanogan River might crest this weekend near a record flood mark set back in 1972. Now, emergency managers are moving into “defense mode” and are now predicting somewhat lower water levels.

Conditions in Okanogan and Ferry counties have moved to a major flood state, where Governor Jay Inslee has declared an emergency. The Okanogan River is expected to continue rising through the weekend and through the following week to a level not reached since the historic flood of 1972.

Emergency management officials are trying to protect drinking water systems throughout the Okanogan Valley from flood water contamination.

The combination of a near-record snowpack in southern British Columbia and temperatures soaring into the upper 80s has caused flood watches starting at the U.S.-Canada border running south along the Okanogan River. Correspondent Emily Schwing is on the scene and sent back these photos.

Throughout northcentral and northeastern Washington, residents are preparing for the worst. Some of the heaviest flooding is expected along the Okanogan River. In Tonasket, the community is pulling together to move families who live along the river to higher ground.

It’s a record year for flooding in northeastern Washington as spring runoff makes its way into rivers. At least eight are at or above flood stage. Nearly all of them cross the U.S.-Canada border.