Landslide Threat Continues As More Rain Moves Into Washington

SEATTLE — Washington's soggy start to the new year will linger on for another few days, as several storm systems bring more heavy rain and mountain snow through at least Wednesday.

The latest round of rain follows a weekend flood watch for most of Western Washington, and area rivers are likely to rise further in the coming days, according to the National Weather Service. The Skokomish remains the most likely to flood, but the added precipitation is likely to push other rivers closer to flood stage, forecasters said.

An elevated risk for landslides will persist through at least Thursday at elevations below 3,000 feet, due to saturated ground from recent storms. A slide between Mukilteo and Edmonds over the weekend halted north line Sounder service through Monday. A special weather statement cautioned that additional rainfall could create more instability in the days ahead.

After a brief break Sunday, the next weather system promises the return of wind gusts, in the 20-25 mph range for most, and up to an inch of lowland rain by Monday night, followed by another blast of rain Tuesday night.

In the mountain passes, winter travel conditions are likely, with Snoqualmie Pass poised to pick up another foot of snow by Monday night and up to 18 inches possible over Stevens. A few more inches are forecast between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

On the temperature front, little change is in the forecast through next weekend, with afternoon highs in the high 40s and lows in the mid to low 40s. Forecasters expect drier conditions will move in after Wednesday, lending to some sporadic showers but less of a downpour than earlier in the week.