The National Weather Service forecast for the Nooksack River level (as of 5:30am today – see graph below) indicates the potential for water and debris over some Ferndale area roads near the Nooksack River beginning today. Heavy rains in the mountains are expected to drive up the river level past minor flood stage by Thursday evening.
By noon today, according to the forecast, the river level at Ferndale will pass the 15-foot mark. At this level, the following can be expected to occur.
- Water and debris over the roadway on Ferndale Road north of Marine Drive and north of Slater Road
- Water and debris over the roadway at the corner of Barrett and Paradise Roads
- Flooding of the WDFW parking lot on Marine Drive
- Water and debris over the roadway at corner of Marine Drive south of Country Lane
The river is expected to crest at just over 16-feet today about 6pm before subsiding to around 15-feet tomorrow morning.
The river level is expected to begin rising again Thursday and cresting over the 18-foot mark (official minor flood stage) late Thursday. The river level is expected to remain over 18-feet into Friday morning. At this level, the river will begin overtopping its banks. The following, in addition to the above, can be expected to be impacted.
- Water and debris over the roadway on Marine Drive between Lummi Shore Rd and Ferndale Road
- Water and debris over the roadway on Slater Road, east of the river
- Water over the trail along the river at VanderYacht Park and deep puddles in the open area
Drivers should be alert for water and debris over low-lying roads near the river and prepared for the possibility any road impacted by flood water may be closed to all traffic at any time due to either an undermined road surface or water over the road.
