Despite Sun, Landslide Risk High Around Puget Sound

SUMNER, WA - Despite a sunny day on Sunday - and a partially sunny day Saturday - landslide risk for the Puget Sound region remains elevated.

The National Weather Service has maintained its special weather statement about landslide risk for days, and the state Department of Natural Resources' landslide forecast shows that many areas are still vulnerable. The forecast calls for sun and warm temperatures again on Monday - but rain will return by Tuesday.

According to the state Department of Natural Resources' shallow landslide hazard map, landslide risk is "high" for eastern Pierce County south of Enumclaw. Risk for King and Pierce counties remains "moderate," and Snohomish County is at "low" risk.

Recent heavy rain is to blame for the increased landslide risk, the National Weather Service's special weather statement indicates.

"Despite dry weather today, USGS landslide thresholds are still in exceedance due to the collective effect of this past Friday night`s heavy rain and the cumulative effect of wet weather this month. Therefore, an elevated threat of shallow landslides continues."

Forecasts call for a 70 percent chance of rain on Tuesday with accumulations between one-tenth and one-quarter of an inch.

Image via Renton police