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Rising Rivers Threaten Airports in Washington

Pilots and volunteers scramble to protect property.

Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 04:11 PM ET

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Snohomish River flooding in 2006 [Credit: Walter Siegmund/Wikimedia Commons]

Key Takeaways:

Heavy rains have caused widespread flooding across Washington state, impacting several airports which are either bracing for rising waters or serving as staging areas for rescues.
The Skagit River Valley is experiencing severe flooding, prompting helicopter rescues, a temporary flight restriction, and evacuation advisories as the river is expected to crest at 36 feet.
Airports like Harvey Field and Renton Airport are under direct threat, with volunteers moving aircraft at Harvey Field due to an overflowing levee, and Renton Airport anticipating major flooding from the Cedar River despite its runway remaining operational.

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Flooding caused by heavy rains continues in Washington state. Several airports located near rivers are bracing for rising water, while others are being used as staging areas for rescues.

As of Thursday morning a temporary flight restriction was in place over the Skagit River Valley near the community of Sedro Woolley. Local law enforcement are using helicopters to save people who became trapped by the swiftly rising Skagit River.

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.