Flooding unlikely, as "orderly melt" washes away snow

Gradually rising temperatures and minimal rainfall appear to be dissolving not just Western Washington's blanket of snow, but the fear of widespread flooding.

"We're having a real orderly melt here in the metro area," said Mike McFarland, of the Weather Service, adding that the snowpack may be virtually gone by this afternoon.

A flood watch for much of Western Washington was canceled early Saturday, but McFarland noted that an advisory for possible urban and small-stream flooding likely would remain in effect until early today.

Places with much deeper snow than Seattle may still be at risk, McFarland said, noting that the Woodinville-Duvall area and portions of Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties still had deep snow Saturday afternoon, while snow in the immediate Seattle area was disappearing.

Rain expected to intensify overnight still could be a concern where significant snow remains on the ground, McFarland said.

Saturday's mild weather, with temperatures gradually climbing to the mid-40s, was a blessing to Seattle crews poised to deal with clogged drains or burst water mains. "It's a slow thaw, like we had hoped for," said Andy Ryan, spokesman for Seattle Public Utilities.

Although crews responded to some calls through the day, "for this type of event, it's remarkably light," Ryan said. But he said drainage and wastewater crews would remain on alert until it's clear the danger has passed.

Heavy snow fell through much of the day in the Cascade passes, and motorists were advised that closures for avalanche-control work may be necessary. For current pass conditions, see www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes.

Jack Broom: 206-464-2222 or jbroom@seattletimes.com