Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 20:45:04 EDT
Summary: There have been no significant changes since yesterday: the North Fork Stillaguamish River continues to flow across the natural dam that formed due to a large landslide and the water continues to gradually erode a larger channel.
The North Fork Stillaguamish River, Washington, continues to flow across the natural dam that formed due to a large landslide and the water continues to gradually erode a larger channel; i.e., there are no significant changes since yesterday.
The three multi-agency science teams that were formed yesterday were reorganized into two teams focused on 1) landslide monitoring and 2) lake-level monitoring. The science teams meet in the morning and exchange scientific information with the State Geologist on site in the afternoon. USGS scientists participate in both teams and the USGS temporarily leads the lake-level monitoring team until another agency can take over.
The USGS has started a website for sharing scientific information related to the landslide: http://wa.water.usgs.gov/data/oso.html
USGS scientific and public affairs personnel continue to be on site to assist as needed.
Miscellaneous information:
1. The level of the lake behind the natural dam has dropped about 1.5 feet;
2. River discharge increased due to rain but is currently decreasing;
3. Heavy rains are expected Friday through Sunday, which will accelerate erosion of the natural dam;
4. Catastrophic failure of the natural dam is considered unlikely but conditions will be monitored closely.