Areal Flood Watch
Statement as of 6:09 am PDT on May 17, 2008

... Flood Watch remains in effect through Sunday evening...

The Flood Watch continues for

* a portion of western Washington... including the following
counties... King... Lewis... Pierce.

* Through Sunday evening

* very warm weather will result in continued rapid snow melt and
rising rivers... with flood crests possibly occurring as early as
late tonight. The trend in the river forecasts was toward higher
crests. However how quickly the rivers rise will depend on how
much warming takes place. Due to the uncertainty involved... the
Flood Watch will remain posted and the situation will be
monitored closely.

* Any flooding that does occur will be minor. The rivers at most
risk of flooding are the Snoqualmie... Puyallup... white...
Nisqually and Cowlitz.

A Flood Watch means conditions are favorable for flooding but
flooding is not imminent or occurring. Monitor the weather and be
ready to act quickly if flooding is observed or a warning is issued.

Many mountain streams will be bank full or overflowing... making it
dangerous for stream crossings or recreating in the vicinity of
the streams. Rivers will be flowing much higher than normal with
many near historical maximum levels for this time of the year.

Water currents will be stronger and faster than normal. This
combined with frigid water temperatures will pose a serious
threat to life. Hypothermia or drowning could quickly occur if
someone were to fall or jump into the water.

Special Weather Statement
Statement as of 10:45 am PDT on May 17, 2008

... Well above normal temperatures are expected across much of
western Washington today...

... A Flood Watch remains posted for the rivers in
King... Pierce... and Lewis counties through Sunday...

... An avalanche warning for the Cascade and Olympic Mountains is in
effect...

A high pressure ridge aloft combined with low level offshore flow
this morning will result in well above normal temperatures across
much of the interior. Highs will generally be in the upper 70s to
upper 80s... with some Cascade valleys likely climbing into the lower
90s. The record high for sea-tac for this date is 85 degrees set in
1956.

Despite the current hot weather across western Washington, areas
lakes and rivers are still very cold and running high due to the
Cool Spring and recent snowmelt. Lake temperatures are generally in
the 40s and many mountain fed streams and rivers are in the upper
30s. Please use caution when visiting area rivers and lakes.

For those planning on back country hiking in the mountains...
please be aware that there is an avalanche warning in effect
for the back country terrain... below 7000 feet... of the Olympics
and Cascades today. For more details... visit the northwest
weather and avalanche center web site at www.Nwac.US.

Expect much cooler weather across the area on Sunday due to
increased onshore flow.