The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, has sent a team to work with Snohomish County on temporary flood protection measures at State Route 530 and C Post Road, at Oso, Wash.
The Corps team is assisting the county with construction of a temporary berm to reduce flood impacts and prevent near-term flooding of SR 530 near mile post 37 at C Post Road, where searchers have ongoing and planned recovery activities. The March 22 mudslide constricted flow of the Stillaguamish River and caused flooding upstream.
“ The Corps has sent out a team of emergency responders who have been discussing options for berm construction with the County ,” said Doug Weber, the Seattle District, U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Emergency Management Branch Chief. “ We plan to begin staging material and could begin construction as early as Monday. ”
Site conditions are poor and some of the terrain cannot be fully evaluated, so the time to complete the work is uncertain.
However, the Corps is hopeful the work could be done in a week.
The berm is only meant to serve as a temporary flood prevention measure, which is designed to prevent flooding under normal spring runoff conditions.
Work being done by the Corps at the request of Snohomish County has been coordinated with the Stillaguamish, Tulalip and Sauk-Suiattle Tribes, State of Washington as well as County officials.
Public Law 84-99 enables the Corps to assist state and local authorities in flood fight activities and cost share in the repair of flood protection structures.
The purpose is to prevent loss of life and minimize property damage associated with severe weather.
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Press Release, April 7, 2014