The flow of the Green River will increase as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lowers the reservoir behind the Howard Hanson Dam to below normal levels so the corps can evaluate damage on the dam’s right abutment.

The damage was discovered when the reservoir was filled during the recent floods.

Until that assessment is finished, the corps determined it needed to be prudent and enact the lower pool restriction for flood storage, according to a corps’ press release.

Potential impacts of the lower flood storage capacity are increased flood risk to the Green River Valley below the dam, according to the corps.

“The corps has high confidence in the current integrity of the dam and that it presents no immediate danger to people and property below the dam,” according to the press release. “Operating under these restrictions is the most prudent measure to keep the public safe.”

Current weather forecasts show a dry period ahead, and engineers will continue to reassess the pool restriction as conditions change at the dam. This spring will offer the opportunity to gradually refill the reservoir while conducting intensive monitoring to learn more about the right abutment depression, according to the press release.

King County in coordination with the King County Flood Control District has taken several immediate actions to ensure communications channels are in place should any potential issues arise so that area residents and their property remain safe.

King County’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC) is coordinating with the EOC’s of Renton, Auburn, Kent and Tukwila.

Also, the King County Flood Warning Center will open sooner than normal when significant rainfall is predicted, to closely monitor conditions on the Green River.