Caution recommended around Yakima River as water rises

The water in the Yakima River just upstream from the Tri-Cities is expected to reach the “action level” early Monday morning as warm weather melts mountain snow pack.

The National Weather Service predicts it will crest Tuesday morning at 11.4 feet at the Kiona gauge, the U.S. Geological Survey gauge closest to the Tri-Cities.

At the action level of 11 feet, residents are advised to use caution near the river and may need to move animals out of low-lying pastures. Flood stage is 13 feet.

The water level is expected to remain at at least 11 feet through Thursday morning.

This story was originally published April 8, 2016 at 11:02 AM with the headline "Caution recommended around Yakima River as water rises."