Preparing for flood conditions, DES adjusts water levels in Capitol Lake
In response to flood risk, the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) has lowered the water level in Capitol Lake. DES adjusts lake levels via the Fifth Avenue Dam, where the lake pours into Budd Inlet just west of downtown Olympia.
Heavy rains and a series of king tides are forecast through Tuesday, Dec. 9. Lowering the lake's level allows more water to flow into Puget Sound from the lake and its Deschutes River basin. This decreases the risk of flooding. As tides rise and fall, the lake's water level will vary, too.
Especially high tides might create flood conditions in low-lying public spaces around the lake, such as Marathon Park and Heritage Park. If flooding occurs, DES will close affected areas.
In case further preventive measures are needed, staff are monitoring lake levels 24 hours a day and inspecting storm drains throughout the Capitol Campus.
DES will monitor weather conditions in order to decide when it's safe to readjust the water level.
If you witness flooding on walkways or streets near Capitol Lake, please travel with caution. Once you can safely make a phone call, contact Olympia's Public Works Dispatch at 360-753-8333.
More information
- Tide and water level information for Budd Inlet (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration)
- Downtown flooding (City of Olympia)
Contact Us
DES Communications
media@des.wa.gov
360-407-9300