Despite heavy rains, there are no concerns for flooding on the White River, according to Pacific Mayor Richard Hildreth.

Releases from the Mud Mountain Dam should remain below 5,000 cubic feet per second, Hildreth said.

“The river should not go out of its bank,” Hildreth said. “We should see the river rise above normal and run high, but it should not be much more than 82 feet (above sea level) at the A Street Bridge.”

As a comparison, the releases in January were more than 6,000 cfs, and the river approached 85 feet above sea level.

Other rivers in the area should see minor flooding but should not cause any problems, Hildreth said. The Puyallup River is expected to see minor flooding along the upper reaches (above Orting) and should crest about 11 tonight. It should drop appreciably by Friday morning, Hildreth said.

The King County Flood Warning Center issued a Phase II flood alert level for the Green River. Only minor flooding is expected as a result of controlled increased flows on the Green River, and only in the primarily rural areas without river levees upstream of Auburn.

“I know, as a result of the Emergency Alert System Warning concerning flooding along rivers to our north, that some people have had concerns,” Hildreth said. “I wanted to send out this notice to help calm any fears. As rain has already tapered off, snow levels remain in reason and the National Weather Service is forecasting drier weather, there are no concerns for the Mud Mountain Reservoir or the White River.”

Elsewhere, the City of Pacific will begin the removal of super sacks and sandbags that are partially closing Pacific Park. Beginning Friday, volunteers will remove the temporary measures and store them on the west end of the park. Those wishing to volunteer can be there after noon Friday or 9 a.m. Saturday.