Washington City Braces for Increased Flood Risks

New information shows sediment buildup in the White River is increasing the flood danger faced by the city of Pacific, Wash.

The King County Flood Control District, in cooperation with Pacific and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, plans to install emergency barriers along three sections of the river inside the city. The barriers can be used for as long as five years.

The News Tribune reports that officials are taking action before the annual flood season after recent field observations showed the higher risk caused by gravel and sediment buildup.

The White River is known for high volumes of sediment from Mount Rainier. The town of Pacific is vulnerable to rapidly changing conditions due to a constricted channel.

In 2009, the town suffered major flooding after a storm led the Army Corps to release water from Mud Mountain Dam.