By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director, and King County staff
The King County Flood Control District and its service provider, King County, are inviting residents near Newaukum Creek to learn more about updated draft flood maps that better reflect current flood risks for people and property along the creek.
Two upcoming public meetings will give community members an opportunity to review the draft maps, learn how flood risk may have changed for individual properties, ask questions, and understand how to participate in the public comment process.
Public Meetings
The same information will be presented at both meetings. Registration is required.
In-Person Community Meeting
6–7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Enumclaw Library
1700 1st St., Enumclaw, WA 98022
Online Community Meeting
6–7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Zoom
Residents can register for either meeting at publicinput.com/newaukum.
Why the Maps Are Being Updated
Flood risks change over time. Development, changing weather patterns, and other shifts in the landscape can change how water moves through a creek corridor and how nearby properties may be affected during a flood.
The current flood maps for Newaukum Creek are more than 25 years old. The King County Flood Control District and King County, as service provider, are updating those maps using the latest available data, technology, and engineering methods to better represent flood risk along the creek.
As part of the study, King County used updated elevation data gathered through airborne laser technology, known as LiDAR, along with traditional surveying methods to determine the current shape and size of the creek. Licensed engineers then combined this information with data about water flow and used an industry-standard computer model accepted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to produce draft flood maps.
Why Community Participation Matters
Flood maps are important tools. They show how likely it is for an area to flood and help residents, local governments, lenders, and emergency managers better understand risk.
Community knowledge is also important. Residents who live near Newaukum Creek may have information that can help improve the draft maps, including photos of past flooding, marked high-water locations, home elevation certificates, or other property-specific information.
After the in-person community meeting on May 19, King County will open a 45-day public comment period. The comment form at publicinput.com/newaukum will open after the meeting and close at 5 p.m. on July 3, 2026. King County will respond in writing to everyone who submits a comment after the public comment period closes.
Comments may also be submitted by email to Tracy Winjum at twinjum@nullkingcounty.gov with the subject line “Flood Map Public Comment.” Please include “Newaukum Creek” in the message. Comments may also be mailed to:
ATTN: Tracy Winjum
King County
201 S Jackson St., Suite 6300
Seattle, WA 98104
How Updated Flood Maps May Be Used
After the public comment period, the flood studies and draft flood maps will be revised as needed. King County will then submit the updated maps to FEMA for review and approval.
Once approved, the updated maps may influence flood insurance rates and will be used by FEMA to designate areas where floodplain management regulations apply. Mortgage lenders may also use the maps to determine where flood insurance is required, and King County and the City of Enumclaw will use the maps when reviewing development proposals.
Residents can also use flood maps to better understand their own flood risk and make informed decisions to help protect themselves, their families, and their property.
Learn More Before the Meetings
Community members can visit publicinput.com/newaukum to learn more about the Newaukum Creek Flood Study and Maps, view draft flood maps, and register for a meeting. Print copies of the draft study report and flood maps are also available at the Enumclaw Library.
Interpretation and translation services are available at no cost. To request these services, contact Tracy Winjum at twinjum@nullkingcounty.gov or 206-263-0174.
The King County Flood Control District encourages residents near Newaukum Creek to make plans now to attend one of the two upcoming meetings. Your participation can help ensure the updated maps reflect the best available information about local flood risk and help strengthen community understanding of how to prepare for future flooding.