Back-to-back storm systems forecast to raise Nooksack River level over next 10 days

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC) issued an updated press release today, October 16, 2025, due to concerns over the potential development of an atmospheric river that would bring “periods of heavy rain, high winds, and high elevation heavy snow across parts of the northwestern U.S. beginning late next week.” Without specifying which rivers, they added, “Flooding is possible for Northwest Washington.”

This stormy weather would follow a lesser storm system that is expected to result in raising the Nooksack River level over the next few days.

Current Nooksack River level forecasts do not predict the river will reach flood levels.

Stages (gauge height in feet)
9.5′ Major flood stage
8.5′ Moderate flood stage
8.0′ Minor flood stage
6.9′ Action stage

Stages (gauge height in feet)
150.0′ Major flood stage
148.0′ Moderate flood stage
146.5′ Minor flood stage
144.8′ Action stage

Stages (gauge height in feet)
23.0′ Major flood stage
20.5′ Moderate flood stage
18.0′ Minor flood stage
15.0′ Action stage

The forecasting of atmospheric rivers come from looking at both how much water vapor is in the air (IWV – top graphic) and how strong winds are that move that vapor (IVT – bottom graphic).

Given the number of days between now and the forecasted event, the confidence in the forecast is relatively low.

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River level forecasts can change frequently so motorists and property owners are advised to monitor the Nooksack River level forecast.

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Whatcom News readers are encouraged to stay up to date with current weather alerts and forecasts and air quality readings for their specific Whatcom County locations along with tide tables via the Whatcom News Weather page.