Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life
Stormy Weather, Flooding Rivers and Cheerful Hummingbirds
It was just last month when the Pacific Northwest was hit with torrential rain that lasted several days, flooding our local rivers.
In Renton, the Cedar River rose over 18 feet, higher than the previous record, closing the Community Center.
This was the view from the same area last fall, when I went down to watch the salmon spawning.
The flooding will likely have a negative impact on the salmon’s already dwindling numbers.
The river ran high through town,
though no harm was done to the library.
This was the view at normal levels in October.
I was considering how much worse the damage would have been if the river had not been rerouted into Lake Washington over a hundred years ago.
“In 1911, there was a major flood along the lower Cedar River. This prompted the city of Renton to make a diversion canal so that the Cedar River emptied into Lake Washington instead of the Black River. The diversion was completed in 1912.” Wikipedia
The river is still running high, but January has been milder overall. The Anna’s Hummingbirds are still feeding, bringing life and color even to the dreariest days;
and are wondering,
Is it Spring yet?
Sharing with Sunday Stills, #Storm.
~ Susanne
Cats and Trails and Garden Tales 
Wow, what high waters you experienced, Susanne! That picture of the Renton Library is incredible! And the comparisons of the Cedar River at flood stage are truly amazing. No doubt those hummers are literally asking those questions about spring. Our temps may get in the low 50s next week, way too high for this time of year 😦
The Cedar River reached an all-time high, and I can only imagine what would have happened if the City hadn’t dealt with the flooding issue a hundred years ago! Our January has been rather strange; we had freezing temps in the 30’s followed by days that climbed to almost 60! I think we’re all confused! 😉 🙂
I love that library over the river. I’m glad the flooding didn’t damage it.
Thanks, Graham. It’s a special library indeed, sitting over the river. I’m happy it wasn’t damaged.
Thise water levels look really high. The location of the library looks great although I wonder if global warning may prompt a relocation in the future?
It’s such a unique and special location, I don’t think they would give it up willingly. Maybe other measures could be taken to protect it? But who knows?🫠
Looks like we are getting similar weather. After days of non-stop rain, many parts of England are suffering flooding. Fortunately, not the east of the country, where we live.
Best wishes, Pete.
We do seem to have similar weather. Many suffered from flooding here last month, mostly in neighboring towns. This month much of the country is suffering from heavy snow, while we are spared here.