Yakima River crests at more than 12 feet

The Yakima River level dropped Friday at Kiona after cresting at 12.3 feet overnight.

By 1 p.m. Friday, it was back down to 11.6 feet, according to the National Weather Service.

The 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.

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 20, 2015 at 4:38 PM with the headline "Yakima River crests at more than 12 feet."