WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Forecasters are tightening the details regarding a strong weather system expected to bring gusty winds and heavy rains Friday and Saturday.
A moderately strong atmospheric river will impact western Washington Friday through Saturday night, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall to the region. Mean rainfall forecast remains between 2 to 4 inches with locally 5+ inches, with the heaviest rain on track to fall over the Olympic Peninsula and over the northern and central Washington Cascades.
While the Skokomish River is the only river currently forecast to enter minor flood stage on Saturday, many other rivers are forecast to reach action stage on Saturday, including the Bogachiel River on the Olympic Peninsula and the Skagit, Snohomish, Skykomish, and Snoqualmie Rivers in the Cascades. Some uncertainty remains over rainfall amounts over the mountains, and river conditions will continue to be closely monitored.
Where heavy rain occurs, the relatively high rain rates could produce flash flooding/debris flows on the more sensitive burn scars. It could also cause ponding or nuisance flooding in urban areas and small streams where drainage is poor or drains are clogged by leaves.
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Click for more informationPlease monitor the latest river forecasts from the National Weather Service for additional information.
– National Weather Service (October 30, 2025)
The expected rain, combined with snow levels rising to around 8000-9000 feet, is expected to result in “sharp rises” to some western Washington rivers. Forecasters say concerns of flooding is mainly for rivers flowing off of the Olympic Peninsula, “however rivers in the north WA Cascades will bear watching as well.”
Current Nooksack River level forecasts have crests occurring below flood stages.
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A wind advisory has been issued for western Whatcom County due to expected southeast sustained winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 45mph. The advisory period is from 9am to 10pm on Friday, October 31, 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.
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