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Flooding and Avalanche Threat Grows as Atmospheric River Continues Across Pacific Northwest
Powerful storm system brings heavy rain and snowmelt, increasing risks of flash floods and avalanches in the region.
Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:43am
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A powerful ongoing atmospheric river is moving across the Pacific Northwest, increasing the risk of flash flooding and avalanches. This comes just days after a storm system caused torrential rain and feet of snow to fall in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, leaving over 87,000 customers without power and resulting in one fatality.
Why it matters
The Pacific Northwest has been hit by a series of powerful storms in recent weeks, and this latest atmospheric river event poses a significant threat of flash flooding and avalanches that could impact homes, businesses, and transportation in the region. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have issued flood watches and avalanche warnings.
The details
The atmospheric river, fed by moisture originating near Hawaii, will continue as a low-pressure system in the Gulf of Alaska fuels the event. The greatest flash flood risk is expected around Seattle and along the northern Washington coast, with widespread rainfall totals of 3 to 5 inches expected by Friday evening and localized amounts of 5 to 8 inches, especially in higher terrain. Snow levels are expected to stay high, around 8,000 feet, allowing for the rain to accelerate snowmelt and an increase in runoff, further raising the risk of flooding and avalanches.
- The atmospheric river event is ongoing and is expected to continue through the end of the week.
- Flood Watches have been issued for the Seattle metro area, northern Washington and the Olympic Mountains, and will remain in effect through Friday afternoon.
- The western slopes of the Cascade Mountains are currently under a considerable avalanche risk, which is forecast to increase to a high risk in the coming days.
The players
FOX Weather
The FOX Weather network, which provided the forecast information and weather alerts for this story.
Seattle Metro Area
The Seattle metropolitan area, which is expected to be at the greatest risk of flash flooding from the atmospheric river event.
Cascade Mountains
The mountain range in the Pacific Northwest, where the avalanche risk is expected to increase due to the heavy snowmelt.
What’s next
Authorities will continue to monitor the situation and issue further warnings and advisories as needed. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay vigilant and follow any evacuation orders or safety instructions from local officials.
The takeaway
This latest atmospheric river event highlights the ongoing threat of severe weather in the Pacific Northwest, where a series of powerful storms have caused significant damage and disruption in recent weeks. The region's residents and officials must remain prepared to respond to the risks of flash flooding and avalanches as these weather patterns continue to impact the area.
