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December8, 2025
 

Flood Watch Issued for Skagit County, Commissioners Approve Emergency Declaration

On December 5, 2025, the U.S. National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for Skagit County from late Sunday night, December 7th, through Friday afternoon, December 12th. A series of wet weather systems moving across the region, including multiple strong atmospheric rivers, will bring periods of moderate to heavy rain. Excessive runoff may result in the flooding of rivers, creeks, and streams, and other low-lying flood-prone locations. Saturated soil also brings an increased potential for landslides and debris flows on burn scars.

The Skagit County Commissioners adopted an emergency declaration this afternoon for the expected flooding event. The declaration permits staff to waive competitive bidding requirements for materials, supplies, resources, and services necessary to address the emergency due to flooding, landslides, and related events, and authorizes the expenditure of funds as required to respond to the emergency. The Skagit County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) has activated the emergency operations center and are coordinating with partner agencies and the cities and towns to prepare for the impending weather.

River forecast levels indicate major flooding of the Skagit River in both Concrete and Mount Vernon multiple days this week. The Skagit River is forecasted to peak in Concrete at 35.31 feet on Tuesday, December 9th at 10:00 a.m. and again on Thursday, December 11th around 4:00 a.m. at 37.22 feet. In Mount Vernon, the Skagit River is predicted to peak at 34.03 feet on Wednesday, December 10th at 4:00 a.m. and again at 4:00 a.m. on Friday, December 12th at 36.01 feet. 

Residents should monitor forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop to protect their homes, families, and livestock from floodwaters. For health, safety, and preparedness information about floods, visit www.skagitcounty.net/Flood/Documents/FAW%20Insert%202025.pdf. Skagit County DEM will not be distributing sandbags but will assist the public in identifying available sand and sandbagging resources. Citizens in need of sandbags can reach out to DEM at dem@co.skagit.wa.us or by calling (360) 416-1850. 

For updated river forecasts, please visit www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/EmergencyInformation/levels.htm or call the River Level Hotline at (360) 416-1404. For more local emergency information, sign up for the emergency information listserv or follow Skagit County on Facebook @SkagitCountyWA. The River Level Hotline at (360) 416-1404 and www.skagitcounty.net/flood are updated frequently during events and can be resources for information as well.