Logjam, Fallen Trees Pose Hazards on Stretch of Lower Tolt River

King County officials have identified a series of river spanning logs and a logjam on the Tolt River and are warning people to stay out of the water.

The hazard is located in the half-mile stretch of the Tolt downstream of the SR 203 Bridge to the confluence with the mainstream Snoqualmie River (see map at right). Standing trees fell into the river as the river bank eroded during the winter 2010-2011 floods.

Boaters, floaters, tubers, swimmers and waders should exit the river using the gravel bar on the right (north) side of the river just below the SR 203 bridge. Signs directing river users to get out of the river have been posted. River users should not attempt to navigate the spanning logs, and should not put in to the Tolt River anywhere downstream of SR 203.

“I want to emphasize the river is not closed; only the Sherriff’s department can do that,” said Tim O’Leary of the King County Department of Natural Resources. “But we are recommending as strongly as we can that swimmers, rafters, tubers and any other kind of boater stay out of this stretch of the river because of the hazards posed by these trees.” 

This year King County rivers are running especially fast and cold due to an unusually heavy amount of mountain snow melt and a tumultuous winter flood season that has changed river channels and reoriented logs, as seen in this stretch of the Tolt River.

For more information on water safety and drowning prevention, including a listing of local lifeguarded pools and beaches, visit Public Health - Seattle & King County web pages at www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/injury/water.aspx.

For more information about known hazards on King County rivers, go to http://www.kingcounty.gov/recreation/boating/rivers.aspx.