Concern over the level of water in Lake Whatcom is decreasing, with the diminished rainfall. Two of the three flood gates controlling water flow into Whatcom Creek were fully opened at 5 am this morning. The third gate was opened 12 inches at that time, leaving 56 more inches to go before it is fully opened. Bellingham Public Works officials have been monitoring the situation every half hour and as of 4 pm today, the lake level was at 314.83 feet above sea level and rising very slowly. The level at which the city is mandated by law to fully open all flood gates is 314.94. Unless the rain increases significantly, it will take several hours to reach that level, if at all. If it becomes necessary to fully open the remaining gate, they do not expect the impact downstream to increase significantly.

Public outreach and information efforts today have included:

Police Officers and Fire Inspectors hand delivered flyers to occupants between James and Woburn / Frasier and Kentucky this morning
Public works staff have been in direct contact with auto dealerships throughout the day
Staff have been keeping local media informed as well
This event has allowed the city to use a newly acquired tool to quickly and efficiently notify potentially affected residents and businesses by phone during an emergency
The city continues to monitor the lake level and will notify the potentially affected public immediately if conditions warrant. Residents and businesses should remain on alert and monitor the media for updates. A limited quantity of sandbags and sand are available on the south side of the city Central Shop facility on Virginia Street between the hours of 7:30 am and 4:30 pm. People are welcome to fill these bags at no cost. For additional assistance related to the sandbag operation call 778-7700. For more information, please call City of Bellingham Public Works Operations at 778-7700.

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Media Contact:

Linda Stewart
Joint EOC PIO
(360) 398-1705

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