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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRS_Channel_Migration_Study_250108_v1
Seattle
9706 4th Ave NE, Ste 300
Seattle, WA 98115
Tel 206.523.0024
Kirkland
750 6th Street
Kirkland, WA 98033
Tel 425.822.5242
Mount Vernon
2210 Riverside Dr, Ste 110
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Tel 360.899.1110
Whidbey
1796 E Main St, Ste 105
Freeland, WA 98249
Tel 360.331.4131
Federal Way
31620 23rd Ave S, Ste 307
Federal Way, WA 98003
Tel 253.237.7770
Spokane
601 Main Ave, Ste 617
Spokane, WA 99201
Tel 509.606.3600
October 18, 2023
Patty Thumann and Jamie Williams
13411 SE 151st Street
Renton, WA 98058
Re: Channel Migration Zone Study
DCG/Watershed Reference Number: 231005
Dear Patty and Jamie,
This report reviews hydrologic and geomorphic indicators of channel migration and possible
need for shoreline stabilization on a parcel adjacent to the Cedar River in Renton, WA.
Location
The parcel is located at 13411 SE 151st Street, Renton, WA 98058. COR parcel #2223059112. GPS
Coordinates lat 47.466874. long -122.161703. The parcel includes a single-family residence built
in 1961 and several outbuildings on the right bank of the Cedar River, at about River Mile 4.
Much of the left bank is in public ownership, the Soos Creek Park and Trail and Cedar River
Natural Zone. It is approximately 1,200 feet downstream of a State Route (SR) 169 bridge over
the river. The parcel is .87 acres in size with a nominal width of 124 feet and length of 344 feet.
The parcel is shown below:
Figure 1. COR Parcel 2223059112 on the Cedar River in Renton, WA
Channel Migration Zone Study
Thumann/Williams
October 18, 2023
Page 2
Hydrologic Indicators
U.S. Geological Survey flow records are available for the Cedar River near Renton, WA gauge
12-119000, including peak flows from 1948 – 2022. Major floods occurred in 1996 (7,650 cfs),
2006 (6,090 cfs), 2009 (9,390 cfs), 2011 (5,870 cfs), 2015 (5,500 cfs), and 2020 (9,620 cfs). The 100-
year flood, based on a 2015 flood frequency analysis, is 12,000 cfs (King County, 2015). The
FEMA 100-year flood elevation on the parcel is 76 feet NAVD 88. The FEMA flood insurance
rate map shows the flood zone (AE) on the parcel (Figure 2). The upper portion of the parcel,
including the buildings, are outside of the 100-year flood boundary.
Figure 2. Flood insurance rate map (WA State Coastal Atlas/FEMA).
Geomorphic Indicators
The parcel is on the right bank of the largest meander on the lower 10 miles of the Cedar River.
The meander extends from the SR169 bridge (RM 4.3) downvalley to an area abutting SR 169
(RM 3.2). The parcel is upstream of a small point bar (depositional) at the apex of the meander.
The Person Revetment (built in 1972) on the left bank extends upstream of the parcel. Bank
armoring on the Erickson Revetment (built in 1963) on the right bank of the meander is
upstream of the parcel, as shown in Reach 3 below (Figure 3). Ground elevations on the parcel
range from 60+ feet NAVD 88 on the bank of the river to 76+ feet NAVD 88 on the upper 1/3 of
the parcel (KC iMAP). The lower 40+ feet of the parcel is a riparian zone adjacent to the river.
Channel Migration Zone Study
Thumann/Williams
October 18, 2023
Page 3
Figure 3. Publicly maintained revetments in Reach 3 of the Cedar River. (King County, 2015)
King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, Water and Land Resources Division
conducted a Level 1, Maplewood Area Landslide Hazard Assessment of steep slopes above the
left bank on the Cedar River in 2018. The assessment included geotechnical studies and risk
analysis relative to potential landslides into the river and possible flooding effects. The
assessment recommended additional investigations of subsurface geology and slope stability
models, as well as developing alternatives for mitigating risks. The results of additional work
have not been published to date. Note: Delineation of landslide hazards, characterizing
different types of landslides, and calculation of potential runout distances or potential but
unquantified flood hazards are beyond the scope of this review.
CZM and Erosion Hazard Mapping
The SR 169 Bridge and Erickson revetment are assumed barriers to channel migration (King
County, 2015). There are no mapped Avulsion Hazard Zones (AHZs) downstream of RM 6.8
(King County, 2015). There are no mapped Erosion Hazard Areas (EHAs) susceptible to lateral
channel migration due to erosion on the right bank downstream of the SR 169 bridge (King
County, 2015). The report notes that the CMZ along Reach 3 covers a relatively narrow portion
of the valley floor and large wood presently is not believed to be a significant factor regarding
channel migration. The Historical Active Channels and Historical Migration Zone Delineation
(Appendix Map 3) includes channel configurations prior to construction and improvement of
the barriers to channel migration. A comparison of site conditions on the parcel following
floods in 1996, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2015, and 2020 shows no significant surface erosion or channel
Channel Migration Zone Study
Thumann/Williams
October 18, 2023
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migration due to flooding on the upper parcel, and only minor disturbance in the riparian zone
(King County, iMAP).
Conclusion
Based on this review, the upper 1/3 of the parcel is above the regulatory Base Flood Elevation
and shows no evidence of surface erosion or channel migration following major floods,
including the flood of record (2020). Therefore, new construction within this area is unlikely to
require new shoreline stabilization or other structural flood hazard reduction measures.
References
FEMA. 2020. Flood Insurance Rate Map. FIRM 53033C0983G.
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search.
King County. 2015. Cedar River Channel Migration Study. Prepared by Terry Butler and Fred
Lott. King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, Water and Land Resources
Division. Seattle, Washington.
King County iMAP. https://gismaps.kingcounty.gov/iMap/
King County. 2018. Maplewood Area Landslide Hazard Assessment Report. Prepared by
Jeremy Bunn and Judi Radloff, King County Department of Natural Resources, Water and Land
Resources Division. Seattle, Washington.
Washington State Coastal Atlas. Flood Hazard Areas.
https://gis.ecology.wa.gov/portal/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id
Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is based on the application of technical guidelines
currently accepted as the best available science and in conjunction with the manuals and criteria
referenced above. All discussions, conclusions, and recommendations reflect the best
professional judgment of the author(s) and are based upon information available at the time the
study was conducted. All work was completed within the constraints of budget, scope, and
timing. The findings of this report are subject to verification and agreement by the appropriate
local, state, and federal regulatory authorities. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is
made.
Channel Migration Zone Study
Thumann/Williams
October 18, 2023
Page 5
Sincerely,
Alan R. Wald, LHg
Hydrogeologist