Submitted by San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship.
San Juan County is preparing for high-intensity rainfall this October and November and encourages the public to take extra precautions to protect property and loved ones.
This fall, the islands are anticipated to face an “atmospheric river” that may bring intense rains. While atmospheric rivers can vary greatly in size and strength, the County is preparing for the challenges posed by potential flooding, storm runoff and washouts. Annual street sweeping and catch basin cleaning help to ensure drains are clear before the storms set in. The County is also working to assess, repair and replace culverts and drains to meet the increasing demands of high-intensity and long-duration storm events.
Islanders are encouraged to prepare their properties for high-intensity rain and to exercise caution when traveling. Excess water on roadways can cause dangerous driving conditions, and during large storm events, tree limbs may fall across the roads. The County will make every reasonable effort to keep roadways open.
How can I prepare for rain events like this?
Make sure your drains and driveway culverts are clear before the rainy season starts and check them often during autumn as leaves and windstorms continually clog them.
Strike a balance with your lot’s drainage. The goal is to divert water away from your home where it can cause damage but maintain healthy levels of water to support vegetation and the recharge of any wells.
Consider installing onsite water storage systems such as cisterns or rain barrels to capture and safely store winter rains. This can then be used for irrigation in the drier months.
Consider installing a rain garden in the wet areas of your property or protecting onsite wetlands to help slow and filter the flow of water through the site.
If you have water running through your property in a stream, wetland, pond or conveyance ditch, work with your upstream and downstream neighbors to help one another understand and manage the storm flows. Lot-to-lot drainage is the responsibility of individual landowners to manage, without causing harm to others.
The County is available to offer technical assistance to landowners regarding water resources on private property. Call or email Krista Davis, the County’s stormwater engineering technician, at kristad@sanjuancountywa.gov or 360-370-0533. You can also contact the main line for Public Works at 360-370-0500.
Remember, the choices you make on your property will affect your downhill neighbors. Thoughtful preparation can help the entire community!
About San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship
San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship is responsible for solid waste, marine resources, clean water, cultural resources and climate and sustainability work. The department offices are located at 1609 Beaverton Valley Road, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/839/Environmental-Stewardship.
