High Water Eases With Cooler Temps Ski Area Operators Get A Lift Out Of Shift To Snowy Forecast

Much of the flooding in Western Washington has abated, and the warm, wet weather system that brought the heavy rain has given way to cooler temperatures and snow in some places.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the Olympic and Cascade mountains on Sunday. A winter storm watch - meaning conditions were likely for winter storms - was in place for southeastern Washington’s Blue Mountains.

The snow and chilly weather was good news at Mount Baker Ski Area, where operators reveled in a forecast for 2 feet of new snow by this morning.

The ski area opened Sunday, the latest opening since 1989, with 34 inches of snow at the base and light snow falling.

A high-wind watch also was in effect Sunday. The Weather Service said last week’s rain and flooding increased the potential for large trees toppling in Western Washington.

Flood warnings were lifted Sunday for the Skagit and Snohomish rivers, where some of the worst high water occurred last week. The warnings remained in effect for the Cedar, Chehalis, Cowlitz, White and Yakima rivers, which were receding slowly.

The Weather Service also warned of possible avalanches in the back-country of the Olympics and Cascades, where heavy rain at high elevations last week contributed to instability.

Assessment of flood damage continues in Western Washington. The American Red Cross’ early estimate showed 1,680 homes damaged in Snohomish, Skagit, King, Pierce, Whatcom, Thurston, Mason, Lewis, Kittitas, Cowlitz, Clark and Yakima counties.

The Red Cross opens service centers today in Sedro-Woolley, Snohomish and Duvall to help people whose homes were damaged in the floods, spokesman Bob Howard said.

Free cleanup kits will be available along with access to food, clothing, household items and other services.

People who cannot get to one of the centers or who live in Clark, Chelan, Cowlitz, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Thurston, Whatcom and Yakima counties should contact their local chapter of the Red Cross or call (800)-272-2684.