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 Green River and Howard Hanson Dam Information
Flood Safety Information for Parents:
Dick Scobee Elementary:
* Parent Letter-English
Cascade Middle School:
* Parent Letter-English
* Parent Letter-Russian
* Parent Letter-Spanish
* Parent Letter-Ukranian
The Army Corps of Engineers has notified the City of Auburn of a situation at the Howard Hanson Dam, which may require the release of more water than usual during extreme rain events. As a result of this increased water release, parts of Auburn are at a higher risk of flooding. The general location of this higher risk is confined to the area of Auburn north of 22nd Street NE and those areas immediately bordering the Green River and Mill Creek. This situation may continue for the next 18-24 months or potentially longer depending on the nature of the repair work to be completed at the Howard Hanson Dam.
It is important to note that the Army Corps of Engineers assures us that there is no risk of the dam failing. Renters, homeowners and businesses are advised to review their insurance policies to ensure they are covered for flooding, landslides, sinkholes and other issues commonly associated with significant rain events.
Notification Methods
In a worst case scenario, the Auburn School District is expected to receive a minimum 24-hour notification from the Army Corps of Engineers, King County Emergency Management and the City of Auburn if a potential flooding situation is imminent. Should this potential for flooding include facilities within the school district, district administration will provide information to the public on the district’s website, www.auburn.wednet.edu , and make an announcement through the new “School Messenger” phone system. The notification process will be the same utilized for school delays and closures due to snow and severe winter weather.
Additional methods of notification that families can monitor include:
- KIRO Radio: AM 710 or FM 97.3
- KOMO Radio: AM 1000
- Auburn Community Radio: AM 1700
- Local TV channels: 4, 5, 6, 7, 13 and 26
- NOAA weather radio
- City of Auburn on Twitter: www.twitter.com
Evacuation Procedures
According to the latest flooding projection data compiled and mapped by the Army Corps of Engineers, there are two schools within the district that may possibly be affected by flooding if such a notification should occur. These schools are: Cascade Middle School and Dick Scobee Elementary School. Should an eminent flooding situation occur, the district would review projected flooding information provided by the Army Corps of Engineers, King County and the City of Auburn. Then a decision would be made to either close specific schools or the entire district depending upon the geographical areas affected by the flooding. The district has developed student evacuation plans for each school should there be an eminent flooding situation while school is in session. Students in affected schools would be evacuated to another district facility that would not be affected by flooding and then parents/guardians would be notified of the student relocations via the district’s notification systems. Should the student need to be relocated to another facility during normal school hours, strict procedures have been established for student release and parent pickup at the temporary facility. The district would make every attempt to bus students home during their normal school release times providing that flooding has not impacted the bus routes within the school boundaries.
Home Emergency Plan
Each family should have a plan covering what to do when children arrive home early due to an emergency situation:
- What is the best route home if your student cannot be delivered to their normal bus stop?
- Where would they go if you are not home?
- Who would care for him or her until you arrive?
- Is there someone your student could call to receive help?
Local Resources
The following links will provide information to help you prepare for potential flooding within your community and your home:
If you have questions concerning the district’s flooding response plan please contact:
- Mr. Gordon O’Dell, (253) 931-4712, Executive Director of Student Services
- Mr. John Lobdell, (253) 931-4955, Safety Officer and Environmental Manager
- Mr. Michael Newman, (253) 931-4930, Deputy Superintendent
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