Whatcom County flood threats rise as atmospheric river is set to soak region

Flooding is now possible along the Nooksack River in Whatcom County as a Pineapple Express brings heavy rain to both the mountains and the lowlands over several days in Western Washington.

Current forecasts have caught the attention of Whatcom County officials, who told The Bellingham Herald that they are watching the Nooksack River and have action plans in place.

Earlier forecasts indicated that the warm atmospheric river’s most intense rain would fall in southern British Columbia, but Wednesday estimates from the Northwest River Forecast Center show the Nooksack River rising to just above flood stage on Friday and Saturday in Ferndale. Wednesday estimates for Deming show the river cresting at “action stage” upstream.

Flooding is expected on the Skagit River in Mount Vernon and Concrete as melting snow from the North Cascades inundates that river.

Elsewhere, excessive runoff may result in urban and small-stream flooding and pooling of water in low-lying locations, meteorologist Dana Felton said.

“Just a steady stream of moisture moving into the area the next three days,” Felton said in the online forecast discussion. “In addition to the rain it will be breezy at times over the northwest interior with the frontal boundary stalled just to the north.”

Since the storm is coming from the South Pacific, its warm air will increase snow levels to about 7,000-8,000 feet, and melting snow will cause rivers to rise quickly.

Consequently, the National Weather in Seattle issued flood watches for several counties, including Whatcom and Skagit.

Forecasts have been fluctuating, as the storm’s track becomes more certain. Last week, flooding concerns were minimal, but they have been increasing daily.

Rain was falling early Tuesday at Mt. Baker Ski Area with temperatures in the mid- to upper 30s. The ski area is closed through Thursday.

At the Whatcom County Public Works Department, spokeswoman Mandy Feutz said its River & Flood Division is tracking river levels along with the weather forecast.

“We’re prepared to respond if conditions change. We already have crews in the field placing signs in areas where water is impacting roadways, and they’re ready to take additional action, including road closures, if needed to keep the public safe,” Feutz said in an email. “We’re also coordinating with our partner agencies as conditions develop. We’ll continue to adjust our response based on what we’re seeing and will share updates if impacts become more significant. Residents can stay informed by checking current river conditions and reviewing flood preparedness resources on the county’s website.

Officials with the Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management are taking similar steps, spokeswoman Amy Cloud said.

“We’ve been tracking hydrologic and weather forecasts constantly, monitoring for rain impacts and road closures, checking river gauge levels, and securing “worst case” scenarios for the Nooksack River,” Cloud told The Herald in an email. “Our deputy director is in contact with our law enforcement, fire, public works and Emergency Management Council partners to share the information we’ve gathered and to receive field reports, questions or concerns.”

This story was originally published March 17, 2026 at 11:13 AM.

Robert Mittendorf

The Bellingham Herald

360-756-2805

Robert Mittendorf covers civic issues, weather, traffic and how people are coping with the high cost of housing for The Bellingham Herald. A journalist since 1984, he also served 22 years as a volunteer firefighter for South Whatcom Fire Authority before retiring in 2025.