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North Fork Snoqualmie River Confluence Revetment Removal Project
Project location
The North Fork Snoqualmie River confluence area is located where the Middle and North Fork Snoqualmie rivers merge, in Three Forks County Park between the Cities of Snoqualmie and North Bend. The project location is on the south side of the North Fork Snoqualmie River, downstream of the bridge on 428th Avenue Southeast.
Project overview
Revetment removal area is shown in yellow.
The King County Flood Control District, together with King County as it’s service provider, is planning to remove the Scott Revetment on the North Fork Snoqualmie River. Revetments are structures built along a riverbank to reduce erosion. They are usually built with rocks, wood, plants, and other materials. The Scott Revetment was built around the year 1960. The purpose of the Scott Revetment was to reduce erosion of a privately-owned property used for livestock grazing, Today, the project area, shown in the image on the left, is entirely within Three Forks Park.
Why remove this revetment?: The area behind the Scott Revetment is now a natural area owned by King County Parks. The revetment is not needed because it no longer protects farmland, roads, or infrastructure, yet public funds are still being spent to inspect and maintain it.
- Since the Scott Revetment is no longer needed, it was identified as an ideal companion project to the Mason Thorson Ells Levee Rehabilitation Project, which is another King County Flood Control District project implemented by King County. The Mason Thorson Ells Levee Rehabilitation Project offered a good opportunity for a companion restoration project given the nature and extent of the needed repairs and project constraints, which limited on-site habitat enhancement.
- The removal of the Scott Revetment at the North Fork Snoqualmie River confluence is a suitable companion site as it is located just two miles downstream from the Mason Thorson Ells Levee Rehabilitation Project.
- Removing the Scott Revetment will restore natural, habitat-forming processes, reconnect the river to the floodplain, and be cost-effective with flood risk reduction public funds. Removal of the Scott Revetment is also consistent with recommendations in the Upper Snoqualmie Resilient River Corridor Management Plan published by the Snoqualmie Tribe in 2022.
Impacts to recreational users: There is recreational use in the area, especially during the summer. Removing the revetment will result in a more natural riverbank that may change where visitors access the river. Project construction is currently scheduled for Summer / Fall 2025.
Project goals
- Avoid long-term costs of inspecting and maintaining river protection facilities that no longer protect critical public infrastructure, private property, or farmland.
- Improve natural river processes that will improve the connection between the North Fork Snoqualmie River and its floodplain.
- Improve habitat for fish and wildlife.
- Share information about floodplain management activities and nearby projects through educational signage in collaboration with King County Parks.
- Incorporate public input into the selection of the project alternative and project design.
Public input
Community input will be incorporated into the recommended project alternative and project design. Sign up to receive project updates and notification of opportunities to provide feedback.
Project schedule
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Community engagement | Q1-Q4 2024 |
| Alternative selection | Q3 2024 |
| 30% Design selection | Q4 2024 |
| Construction | 2025 |
| Effectiveness monitoring | 2025-2030 |