Wet weather pumps up Yakima River by 5 feet

The Yakima River level increased nearly five feet at the Kiona gauge in the 24 hours between 6 p.m. Wednesday and 6 p.m. Thursday because of the wet Pacific Northwest weather.

It was at 11.4 feet deep at 6 p.m. Thursday and was expected to crest early Friday morning at about 11.8 feet, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather service considers 11 feet an “action stage,” where residents in low-lying areas should be cautious of rising water. Minor flooding happens when the river rises to 13 feet, particularly in low areas of West Richland.

This story was originally published November 19, 2015 at 6:52 PM with the headline "Wet weather pumps up Yakima River by 5 feet."