12/09/25 2:30 PM

Big thanks to Benton County Emergency Services, as we have been provided a photo of what could be expected in the Benton City area, for leading into and on Saturday the 13th.

The photo attached is from 2009 when the Yakima River reached 15.3'. The Yakima River is expected to crest at nearly the exact same river depth of what is being predicted; 15.38' for 0400hrs (4am) Saturday the 13th.

Also thanks to BCES, we will have sand and bags, located here at Station 210 for our citizens. We will make a post once that is here and setup, and any other details pertaining to the sand/bags.

(Again, this photo is from 2009 with a 15.3' River level and is being shared as something to reference. This is NOT a current photo)

 

 

12/09/25 12:00PM

Now that the wind has calmed, we are as always, closely monitoring the Yakima River. At the time of this posting, it is forecasted to rise to a moderate flood stage, peaking at 15.38' on Saturday December 13th @0400hrs (4am) (these numbers are provided by NOAA & NWPS). While the predictions are not 100% precise, they are usually relatively accurate and used frequently by our water experts.

We are already seeing the "wave", hit the Upper Yakima, in areas such as Nile and Naches, and so we are monitoring those river levels in comparison to their predicted levels as well. As of right now the river has taken out the lower Nile bridge and is threatening the Wonderland Campground bridge as well.

At the anticipated and predicted 15.38' Yakima river level, we except to see water in low lying areas, but not limited to, the following locations:

• Beach RV
• East end of Carol Ave
• Hope Lane
• Alma & Babs
• E. Pendleton Rd
• E. Massingale
• Demoss Rd

We do not anticipate any massive widespread flooding, but mother nature can change course quickly, so please be cautious and mindful. There will be numerous hazards, both in the water unseen, and floating downstream. Please avoid recreating on the Yakima River for the week or so.

If your property has flooded in previous years, please take precautions now. Keep in mind that even if your property didn't flood in previous years, flood patterns change from year to year and dependent on storm size and surge, can vary from "flood" to "flood" as well.

For reference, the flood of '96 produced approx. 20.98' river levels and in the most recent years, the highest river level we had was in 2016 of which was an approx. 13.53'.

SUGGESTIONS:

1. Remove any valuable items from low lying locations, ie fields, basements, cellars, etc.
2. Keep away from riverbanks and any bodies of water, as you will not be able to tell the depth of such. DO NOT attempt to cross any moving water with vehicles.
3. To report any emergencies, and/or any situations what required emergency assistance, please call 911 immediately. Time is of essence in any emergency but especially water emergencies.

 Yakima River at Kiona live  tracking https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/kiow1