Weather update: Flood watch issued for part of Whatcom County
A series of storms moving into Northwest Washington this weekend is threatening another round of flooding in Whatcom County.
Moderate to heavy rain is expected to last through early Tuesday morning in an atmospheric river of moisture. Breezy conditions are likely , according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service in Seattle.
What’s concerning, however, is that this storm will hit the mountains with rain, a forecast that prompted meteorologists to issue a “hydrologic outlook” and later a flood watch for Whatcom and Skagit counties.
The Skagit River will approach flood stage (Monday) night and Nooksack River (Tuesday) morning with flooding possible,” the National Weather Service said.
“Snow levels will rise from near 4,000 feet to 7,500 to 8,000 feet during this time frame, potentially resulting in mountain snow then rain on snow in the mountains. This adds a significant layer of complexity with uncertainty around how much precipitation will be absorbed by the fresh snowpack versus causing melt and additional runoff,” the weather service said in an online briefing.
Rain falling on snow was a key factor in last month’s flooding along the Nooksack River. Damages are still being assessed, but Whatcom County officials told The Bellingham Herald that they have processed claims from 750 households and at least 50 businesses in communities along the river.
“Rivers originating from the Central (and) Northern Cascades will see sharp rises as well with a few rivers reaching ‘action stage.’ “ Higher end precipitation and melt scenarios would result in the potential for rivers to exceed flood stage,” the weather service said.
Current data from the Northwest River Forecast Center shows the Nooksack River cresting 1 foot below flood stage late Tuesday.
In addition, landslide risk will increase.
This story was originally published January 10, 2026 at 3:56 PM.
