Originally published Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 12:00 AM

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Floods a risk while dam is checked out

If another "Pineapple Express" were to drop heavy rain on Western Washington this winter, there's a greater risk of flooding along the Green River in Auburn, Kent, Tukwila and Renton.

Seattle Times staff

Archive | Hanson reservoir level restricted

Auburn

If another "Pineapple Express" were to drop heavy rain on Western Washington this winter, there's a greater risk of flooding along the Green River in Auburn, Kent, Tukwila and Renton.

The Howard Hanson flood-control dam near Auburn can hold only about a third as much water as it held during last month's rains.

The Corps of Engineers is limiting the reservoir while experts check whether water is leaking through two depressions in the abutment next to the dam.

A Corps spokeswoman, Casondra Brewster, says the dam is structurally sound, but it may take until summer to determine if it is leaking.

The News Tribune of Tacoma reports Auburn officials have held four public meetings to warn residents of the flood risk.

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