Atmospheric River Threatens Washington, Oregon Into Christmas Week

This article examines a series of powerful atmospheric rivers forecast to bring heavy rain and flooding to parts of Washington, Oregon, and Northern California through Christmas week. Drawing on National Weather Service (NWS) guidance, we explore where flooding is most likely, what specific impacts communities can expect, and how residents and travelers can reduce risk during this active and potentially hazardous holiday period.

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Atmospheric Rivers Driving a Wet and Hazardous Holiday Week

Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow bands of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere that can deliver intense rainfall over relatively short periods. When these systems repeatedly strike the same region, soils quickly reach saturation and rivers respond with rapid rises, setting the stage for flooding and landslides.

As multiple atmospheric rivers align with the Christmas travel period, the western U.S. is facing a complex combination of hydrologic and transportation hazards. These hazards will evolve day by day.

Washington: Skokomish River Near or Above Flood Stage

In Washington, the Skokomish River at Potlatch is once again becoming a focal point of concern. The NWS expects flooding from Sunday through Wednesday morning, encompassing Christmas Eve and key travel days.

The river is forecast to crest near 16.8 feet on Sunday night, briefly dip Monday, then rise again to around 17.8 feet on Tuesday. For context, flood stage is 16.5 feet, so these levels are firmly in the minor to moderate flood category.

At these stages, impacts typically include:

Widespread flooding of pasture and low-lying agricultural land, which can disrupt farming operations and affect livestock.

Fast-moving water over Bourgault Road and Skokomish Valley Road, creating dangerous driving conditions and possible road closures.

Residents should anticipate water over familiar trouble spots and plan alternate routes well in advance.

Oregon: Pudding River Flooding Threatens Low-Lying Farmland

Farther south, Oregon’s Pudding River at Aurora is under a flood warning from Sunday through Tuesday night. Early Sunday observations showed the river at about 24.9 feet, roughly three feet above flood stage.

At these levels, the most vulnerable areas include:

Low-lying agricultural fields, where standing water can damage winter crops and delay field work.

Secondary roads between Whiskey Hill and the Molalla River confluence, which may become impassable due to water over the roadway or erosion.

Even modest additional rainfall on saturated soils can extend or worsen flooding. Conditions may evolve rapidly as the week progresses.

Northern California: Heavy Rain, Flooding, and Slope Failures

Northern California counties—including Butte, Nevada, Plumas, Sierra, Tehama, and Yuba—face a different but related set of hazards. Forecasters project 3 to 6 inches of rain in some areas, enough to overwhelm drainage and trigger slope instability.

The primary concerns are:

Flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas, especially where storm drains are blocked or infrastructure is aging.

Rock and mudslides on steep or geologically fragile terrain.

Possible debris flows in wildfire burn scars, where vegetation loss and hydrophobic soils accelerate runoff and erosion.

Even areas that rarely flood can experience problems when rainfall rates are intense and soils are already near saturation.

Holiday Travel Risks: Roads, Passes, and Power Outages

The timing of this event—during one of the busiest travel periods of the year—raises additional concerns. Hydrologic hazards do not occur in isolation; they interact with transportation networks, power systems, and emergency services.

Potential travel and infrastructure impacts include:

Flooded roads and highways, leading to detours, closures, and extended travel times.

Hazardous mountain passes, where rain, snow, and slush can reduce visibility and traction.

Landslides and debris on roadways, particularly in canyons and along steep slopes.

Power outages caused by high winds toppling trees and power lines, compounded by saturated soils weakening root stability.

Safety Guidance: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”

The NWS emphasizes a simple but life-saving message: do not drive through flooded roads or around barricades.

Most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles, often at night or in rapidly rising water where depth and current strength are underestimated.

Evidence from decades of flood events shows that:

As little as 12 inches of moving water can float a small vehicle.

18–24 inches of fast-moving water can carry away larger SUVs and trucks.

Flood-damaged roadbeds may be washed out beneath the surface, making the water appear shallower than it is.

For those living or traveling in affected regions, staying informed via NWS alerts is essential.

Local emergency management and reliable traffic updates can provide critical information.

Adjusting travel plans and preparing for potential power interruptions are practical steps.

Respecting all road closures significantly reduces risk during this active atmospheric river pattern.

Here is the source article for this story: Atmospheric river update: States brace for impacts into Christmas week