SUMAS, Wash. — In a signed letter to Whatcom County executive Satpal Sidhu and County Council Members dated January 9, 2026, City of Sumas mayor Bruce Bosch expresses his concern over a decision made to allow the Nooksack River to overflow in the Everson area which ultimately has led to what has been instances of disastrous flooding between the river and the City of Sumas and across the US-Canada border.
The text of the letter follows.
Subject: Immediate Action Required on Nooksack River Flooding Crisis
I am writing to set the record straight on several misconceptions regarding the flooding in Sumas and to provide critical context on how we arrived at this point. This is not just a matter of historical debate—it is a matter of survival for our community.
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The Current Narrative—And Why It’s Wrong
- “Sumas was built on the bottom of a lake.”
False. Historical maps show that Sumas Lake was miles northeast of the City of Sumas. Even during the catastrophic Abbotsford flood of 1894, the lake’s edge only reached the outskirts of Sumas—not the city itself. - “Sumas is downhill from Everson and naturally floods as part of the Nooksack overflow.”
False. While Everson’s overflow follows an old river channel, that channel never flowed north to Sumas. It ran parallel to the main channel and rejoined downstream near Stickney Island Road and Hampton Road. I have an original railroad survey map confirming this. Elevation data also shows Sumas is comparable to areas east of Guide Meridian and Main Street in Ferndale—both downhill from Everson. - “The Nooksack River historically flowed into the Fraser River.”
Perhaps—but a geological study commissioned by Washington’s Governor in 1960 states the opposite: the Fraser once flowed into the Nooksack. When I raise this with experts, the response is vague: “It probably went both ways.” That uncertainty underscores my point—the narrative must focus on the present reality. Today, the river’s probability of avulsion ranges from 22—50%, and that risk grows with every flood and continued infill. A single log jam at the bridge could send the river north into Canada instead of Bellingham Bay. If that happens, how many millions will be spent to restore its current course?
The Hard Truth
The cities of Everson, Nooksack, Sumas, and Abbotsford were not consulted when the “conscious decision” was made to maintain the Everson overflow. These communities remain the only ones without levee protection. I have a transcript where Councilman Elenbaas questioned this decision, stating: “Because I have a hard time believing Everson, the City of Sumas, and Abbotsford would have been on board with this! “
Whatcom County studies confirm that the Nooksack River has lost 35% of its capacity at Everson due to decades of infill. Once the first levee was built, the Nooksack became a managed river—but that management has failed. It is constricted, filling in, and if nothing changes, catastrophic flooding is inevitable. Not if—when. At minimum, a levee should be installed to offset the lost capacity.
We Are Out of Time
Sumas has been hammered repeatedly, with no relief in sight. If this problem is not addressed, you may be looking at the last Mayor of Sumas. We need immediate action— not just long-term planning. Our residents live in constant fear of another disaster. You cannot put a price on this.
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The narrative says we’ve had two “100-year floods” in four years. The reality? Four floods in five years—two smaller, but still devastating. Lives and property remain in peril. We are in imminent danger.
I implore you: act now. Do whatever is necessary to protect these communities. The clock is ticking.
The Whatcom County Council meets tonight, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and Bosch said he “will be addressing them tonight regarding our circumstances.”
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