Heavy rains expected to drive up Nooksack River level, flooding NOT expected

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — The National Weather Service Seattle office today, August 14, 2025, issued a hydrologic outlook statement for most of western Washington, including Whatcom County.

Areas included in the hydrologic outlook statement

A frontal system will move across the area Friday into Saturday across western Washington. Through Saturday afternoon, 3-5 inches of rain are expected across the mountains, with 0.5-1.5 inches expected through the lowlands.
Very dry antecedent conditions has left the area soils dry and hard. This amount of rainfall in one storm will not have much time to soak into the very dry soil, which will result in heavy surface runoff. Impacts are uncertain due to how much moisture will be able to be absorbed by the soil. Several different threats are expected with this storm, which are detailed below.

Urban and urban-like flooding will be possible in flat areas and roadways.

Some small streams and creeks may become swollen due to rapid runoff while others may remain lower if the channel bed is able to absorb the water efficiently.

Rivers will not flood, but will undergo rapid rises to unusually high levels for this time of year, some of which may reach daily record crests. This will pose a threat to those engaged in recreational activities in and along river channels.

Burn scars will have the potential to undergo impacts, but the probability is low. Impacts may include flash flooding, debris flows, rock falls, and other falling debris.

Those engaging in recreational activities in the mountains may face challenges to where high water may make forest roads and trails difficult to traverse.

– National Weather Service Seattle office (August 14, 2025)
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While the Nooksack River level is expected to rise significantly, flooding is currently not expected to occur. The following are the river level forecasts as of 7:30am, August 14, 2025.

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

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.