FERNDALE, Wash. — The current Nooksack River level forecast at Ferndale predicts the river will crest at 17.9 feet about 5pm on Friday, January 24th. This would place it just short of the official minor flood stage range of 18 to 20.5 feet but high enough to impact low-lying roads near the river.
Recent and forecast heavy rains in the mountains are the reason for the rising river level forecast.
Possible impacts around Ferndale at the current forecast river levels include:
- After the river level reaches the 15-foot mark (expected about 9pm Thursday), water and debris begins spreading across some low-lying roads such as the corner of Barrett/Paradise Roads, W Smith Road west of LaBounty Drive, Marine Drive west of Ferndale Road and Ferndale Road on both sides of Slater Road.
- By the time the river reaches the 16-foot mark (expected before midnight Thursday) road closures are likely for Barrett/Paradise Roads, Marine Drive west of Rural Avenue and Ferndale Road south of Slater.
- After the river level reaches the 17-foot mark (expected about 5am Friday), the river has begun spreading into VanderYacht Park. Depending on the saturation level of nearby pasture land, flood waters may begin covering Slater Road east of the river bridge enough to require closing the road
- By the time the river reaches the 18-foot mark (expected about 5pm Friday), Hovander Homestead Park and adjacent Tennant Lake area may be closed due to flooding concerns. Slater Road has typically been closed by this point.
River level forecasts are prone to changes so monitoring the forecast is advised.
The duration for road closures depends on the speed the river recedes after cresting.
Road closures, including closing Slater Road, recently occurred 2 weeks ago when the river level rose and crested at 16.6 feet.
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