Crossposted from Headwaters When scientists study a lake, they usually expect more people to mean more phosphorous in the water, often from fertilizer, detergents, septic systems, dog poop, and other human-related sources. And more phosphorous can mean more problems for water quality, as nutrient-hungry algae thrive when there is more phosphorus to feed them. But between 1998 and 2022, something different happened in Lake Washington, even as the surrounding population boomed. Read more.

Crossposted from King County Parks The atmospheric river and associated flooding events this month have impacted King County and other areas across Washington State in ways we have never experienced before. We hope you and your community are safe during this time. King County has created a series of resources and ways to deal with flood damage safely and effectively – go to kingcounty.gov/flood-recovery for more information. Read more.

Happy New Year to all our employees, their families, and the people of King County. May you have a happy, safe, and rewarding 2026!

Crossposted from King County Local King County is taking swift action to restore reliable access and essential services for residents in northeast King County after historic storms and flooding damaged key transportation routes in December. To address urgent needs, the King County Department of Local Services’ Road Services Division and Finance and Business Operations Division have expedited a construction contract to install a temporary bridge just downstream from the historic Baring Bridge. The bridge over the South Fork Skykomish River serves as the only access point for about 170 properties. Read more.

Crossposted from DNRP Field Notes Major floodplain restoration projects completed in recent years by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks has reduced flood risks along the Green, Cedar, and Snoqualmie rivers, getting people out of harm’s way long before the current flooding began earlier this month. Applying a multi-benefit approach to floodplain restoration has reduced flood risks for people, homes, and infrastructure while also improving habitat for fish and wildlife. The Department of Natural Resources and Parks has partnered with the independent King County Flood Control District to restore natural systems that absorb… Read More

Crossposted from Metro Matters King County Executive Girmay Zahilay announced that Metro will join other regional transit agencies to provide free rides this New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31. Riders can travel without paying fares on King County Metro, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Pierce Transit and the Seattle Streetcar as part of their holiday celebrations. “Leaving the driving to us is becoming as great a New Year’s tradition as celebrating at the Space Needle,” Executive Zahilay said. “No matter where you plan to ring in the new year, you have access… Read More

Crossposted from DNRP Field Notes In a wide range of actions that include rapid levee responses, operating the Flood Warning Program, repurposing trails to assist emergency responders, preparing transfer stations for a surge in debris, and treating more than 2 billion gallons of wastewater, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks employees continue to contribute to a coordinated emergency response to the historic storm. Read more.

Crossposted from DNRP Field Notes It was just after midnight Tuesday when Josh Kubo and Craig Garric – two members of King County’s Flood Patrol – were inspecting a flood barrier along the White River when water seeping through suddenly became a breach. As soon as the barrier collapsed, the crew members quickly adapted from monitoring to rescue. They reported the breach to the King County Flood Warning Center and then ran door to door in the middle of the night, guiding neighbors to an evacuation route. A King County Sheriff’s Office deputy… Read More

Repair and resurfacing of the northbound lanes of the Ship Canal Bridge will continue next year. Revive I-5 construction will have long-term impact on travel. That means the public will need to find long-term solutions to how they travel to and through Seattle. During each lane closure or reduction, the express lanes will run northbound only, 24 hours a day. Express lanes are open to all. Be sure to observe all height restrictions and HOV-only signed ramps. 2026 dates to know Full closure as early as the weekend of Jan. 9 –… Read More