By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director, and King County Staff
The King County Flood Control District is pleased to announce that construction has begun on the Stossel Revetment Major Repair Project along the Snoqualmie River near Carnation. This important project will help protect public infrastructure, agricultural lands, utilities, and private property from ongoing river erosion while also enhancing habitat along the river.
Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Access
Located approximately two miles north of Carnation near Stossel Bridge, the Stossel Revetment has long served as a critical line of defense against erosion along the Snoqualmie River. The revetment helps protect Stossel Bridge, a King County road, utility infrastructure, agricultural properties, and the only access route to two private properties.
Over the past decade, the revetment has experienced repeated damage from river erosion. Repairs were completed in 2017 and 2018 after deep scour undermined portions of the structure. Additional erosion was identified in 2020, and the area has been closely monitored ever since through an emergency action plan.
Without repairs, continued erosion could threaten the adjacent roadway and limit access to nearby properties, resulting in more extensive and costly damage in the future.
What the Project Includes
King County, as service provider to the King County Flood Control District, began construction on June 1 and will continue through September 30. The project will repair and strengthen approximately 900 feet of the existing revetment along the right bank of the Snoqualmie River.
The work includes:
- Placement of large wood structures to help stabilize the riverbank
- Installation of erosion protection features
- Excavation and grading activities
- Pile driving and construction of engineered riverbank improvements
- Habitat enhancements designed to support fish and wildlife
The use of large wood is an important component of the project. In addition to reducing erosion, large wood structures create more natural river conditions that provide valuable habitat for salmon and other aquatic species.
What Residents and Visitors Can Expect
Construction activities will primarily occur within the project area along the river. Travelers on 310th Avenue NE north of Carnation Farm Road NE may experience brief delays of approximately 10 to 15 minutes during certain construction activities.
The King County Flood Control District and King County have coordinated closely with nearby property owners, agricultural operations, tribes, permitting agencies, and community partners throughout project planning and design. Construction schedules have been developed to minimize impacts to neighboring properties and local agricultural activities whenever possible.
For safety reasons, portions of the river near the construction area may be temporarily closed to recreational use while work is underway.
Investing in Flood Risk Reduction and River Stewardship
The Stossel Revetment Major Repair Project reflects the King County Flood Control District’s commitment to reducing flood and erosion risks while supporting healthy river ecosystems.
By addressing long-standing erosion issues now, the project will help safeguard critical public infrastructure, maintain access for local residents, protect agricultural lands, and improve habitat conditions along the Snoqualmie River for years to come.
The King County Flood Control District appreciates the patience and cooperation of nearby residents, property owners, and river users during construction and looks forward to delivering this important investment in public safety and environmental stewardship.