City of Auburn officials are warning residents to remain alert as controlled releases from upstream dams are expected to push river levels back up into flood stage through the weekend, even as some waters briefly receded.

According to the city, the Green River crested Thursday afternoon at about 68 feet, or roughly 11,900 cubic feet per second, before dropping to about 67 feet Friday morning, Dec. 12. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to release additional water from Howard Hanson Dam beginning Friday and continuing through the weekend to manage reservoir levels, a move expected to raise the river back to moderate flood stage of around 12,000 cubic feet per second through Monday.

City officials urged residents, particularly those living near the Green River and South 277th Street, to monitor conditions closely and sign up for King County Alerts in case conditions change.

The White River has also receded, but controlled releases from Mud Mountain Dam will continue. The river is expected to crest near 10,000 cubic feet per second and remain in Phase 4 at about 9,000 cubic feet per second, a level associated with minor to moderate flooding. The city said localized flooding remains possible near the south bank of the White River by A Street, where temporary HESCO barriers are in place.

Several roads have reopened as waters recede, including portions of 104th Avenue SE, Riverview Drive NE, Oravetz Road SE, and Pike Street NE. However, numerous closures remain in effect, including North Auburn Way N between 49th Street NE and South 277th Street, South 277th Street between Auburn Way N and 108th Avenue in Kent, and multiple segments of D Street NE and I Street NE. Green River Road SE remains closed from 100th Avenue SE to the city limits.

The White River Trail east of A Street SE and west of the Roegner Park parking lot also remains closed, and access to the Trail Run neighborhood is limited to 52nd Street NE. West Valley Highway between 15th Street NW and West Main Street is closed due to landslides and downed trees, with removals scheduled Friday.

City officials said Auburn remains in response mode and has not yet transitioned into recovery.

More information and updates are available at auburnwa.gov/flood.