Hydrologic Outlook issued February 21 at 3:52AM PST by NWS Portland OR
21 Feb 2025 at 4:52am
ESFPQR An series of frontal systems will bring heavy rainfall to northwest Oregon and southwest Washington this weekend. Rain will begin Saturday afternoon, and intensify overnight through Sunday. This will lead to rises on rivers and creeks, especially along the coast on February 22nd through the 23rd. Main stem rivers may be delayed to respond, and flooding may occur beyond this time frame. There is around a 20-25% chance of the Wilson River, the Grays River, and other localized quick responding coastal rivers of reaching minor flood stage on Sunday. Confidence in flooding is low as the location of heaviest precipitation will greatly depend on where the warm front sets up. In the case that this system over performs, more widespread flooding is possible. Heavy rainfall along the Cascades is expected and combined with recent snow accumulation, there is elevated landslide risk. Heavy rainfall may also lead to ponding of water, general lowland flooding, and localized urban flooding, especially in low-lying areas or other poor-drainage areas. Heavy rainfall will also increase the potential for landslides in areas of steep terrain and debris flows over areas that have been burned by wildfires over the past few years. Shifts in the forecast storm track can change the outlook and probabilities for river flooding, so be sure to monitor weather.gov/portland for the latest weather updates, as well as any watches, warnings, or advisories that may be issued. To view the latest river forecasts, visit water.noaa.gov/wfo/pqr.

Hydrologic Outlook issued February 20 at 3:59PM PST by NWS Pendleton OR
20 Feb 2025 at 4:59pm
ESFPDT What: The precipitation and snow melt will lead to rises on area creeks, streams and rivers. Rivers are low enough that only the Naches River at Cliffdell is expected to exceed bankfull early Monday for a few hours and only by a few inches. However, with the heavier periods of rain and snow melt, rapid rises will be possible on smaller streams and creeks as well. Further rises on streams and creeks will be a concern through the weekend into early next week. When: Rain will be ending tonight though more systems will bring rain Friday night through Monday. Where: The Upper and Lower East Slopes of the Washington and Oregon Cascades, The Simcoe Highlands, The Northern and Southern Blue Mountains, The Blue Mountain Foothills of Washington and Oregon, Wallowa County and the Grande Ronde Valley. Synopsis: Rain and high mountain snow in the last 24 hours and multiple systems this weekend and early next week will lead to rising water levels on area streams and rivers. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are expected in the Cascades and 1 to 2 inches in the eastern Oregon mountains. In addition, temperatures will be rising to the 40s and even lower 50s in the mountains which will lead to snow melt adding even more water to rivers and streams. At this point, the Naches River at Cliffdell is expected to barely reach action stage for several hours early Monday before receding. Other rivers in the Cascades and eastern Oregon mountains are forecast to approach but stay below action stage. Rises will also be possible on smaller streams and creeks. This Hydrologic Outlook will be updated as needed due to changing conditions.