By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director
The King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) has been working diligently since its creation in 2007 to safeguard our communities from flooding. The KCFCD, in collaboration with King County as service provider, has spearheaded over 370 capital projects aimed at mitigating the risk of levee and revetment failures. These projects, along with the operation and maintenance of over 500 flood protection facilities, cover 118 linear miles and approximately 800 acres of land crucial for flood mitigation.
While the KCFCD’s weekly blog typically shares information about new and ongoing projects, each month, we will shine a spotlight on a completed project that is quietly doing its job to safeguard our community against the threat of flooding. The project we’re covering this month is the Record Office Revetment Repair Project in the City of Snoqualmie.
Protecting Snoqualmie’s Riverfront: Record Office Revetment Repair Project
In the heart of historic Snoqualmie, along the scenic Snoqualmie River, a vital infrastructure repair project has helped safeguard the community from flood risks and erosion. The Record Office Revetment Repair Project, completed in 2021 by the City of Snoqualmie with funding from the KCFCD, restored 230 feet of damaged riverbank protection to protect Park Ave SE, vital utilities, and adjacent properties.
“The completion of the Record Office Revetment Repair Project is a significant step toward protecting the City of Snoqualmie from future flood risks,” said Sarah Perry, Vice Chair of the King County Flood Control District. “This project not only stabilizes the riverbank and protects critical infrastructure, but it also enhances public access to the beautiful Snoqualmie River. We’re proud to support projects like this that strengthen community resilience, preserve natural habitats, and help ensure the safety of residents for generations to come.”
Why Was This Repair Necessary?
The Record Office Revetment, an engineered structure designed to protect the riverbank and nearby infrastructure, suffered significant damage during major flood events in 2015 and 2016. High river flows eroded the protective armor rock along the riverbank, exposing underlying soils and weakening the slope.
Without intervention, continued erosion threatened to destabilize Park Ave SE, placing critical utility infrastructure and adjacent properties at risk. The failing revetment could have led to the eventual collapse of the roadway, impacting local access, damaging underground water mains, and increasing flood vulnerability for nearby residents. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the KCFCD worked together with King County and the City of Snoqualmie to implement the Record Office Revetment Repair Project.
What Did the Project Accomplish?
The primary goal of the Record Office Revetment Repair Project was to stabilize the riverbank and protect infrastructure along Park Ave SE. However, the project went beyond just repairing the revetment. It incorporated multi-benefit improvements designed to enhance both infrastructure resilience and environmental health.
Key components of the project included:
- Stabilizing the Slope: The project included the in-water installation of timber piles and rock armoring to stabilize the revetment and prevent further erosion. Reinforced fill with geogrid material was placed to strengthen the bank.
- Protecting Infrastructure: The repair work protected a city water main and buried utility infrastructure beneath the roadway, ensuring reliable utility service for residents.
- Enhancing Habitat: Invasive plant species were removed, and native vegetation was planted along the riverbank to restore the natural habitat and improve long-term ecological health.
- Improving Public Access: The City of Snoqualmie designed and constructed a pedestrian trail along the newly stabilized revetment, creating a safe and scenic route for residents and visitors to enjoy the riverfront.
- Debris Removal: During construction, rusted automobile frames that had been part of the old revetment were removed from the riverbank, improving both the structural integrity of the revetment and the visual appeal of the area.
As a service provider to the KCFCD, the City of Snoqualmie led the project’s design and construction efforts on property owned by King County. Parametrix provided construction management services to the city. The coordination between the KCFCD, County, City, and other project partners ensured the repair was completed efficiently and with minimal construction impact.
Strengthening Flood Resilience for the Future
The Record Office Revetment Repair Project is a strong example of how proactive and collaborative infrastructure investment can protect communities from flood risks while also enhancing public spaces and natural habitats. By stabilizing the riverbank and securing underground utilities, the project ensures that Park Ave SE and the surrounding area remain safe and accessible for years to come.
This project is just one of many funded by the KCFCD to help protect communities from flood-related damage and reduce long-term infrastructure vulnerabilities. Investing in projects like these supports public safety, environmental health, and the economic vitality of flood-prone communities.
As the region continues to face challenges from future floods, projects like the Record Office Revetment Repair offer a clear example of how collaboration and smart infrastructure investment can protect and sustain communities along rivers throughout King County.