White River levee breach prompts evacuation order for the city of Pacific, Washington
A levee breach along the White River prompted evacuation orders and Flash Flood Warning for the city of Pacific on December 16, 2025.
Evacuation zone map for city of Pacific due to White River Levee breach on December 16, 2025. Credit: King County Emergency Alerts
A levee on the White River failed early Tuesday, December 16, prompting Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation notices near the city of Pacific (population 7 600).
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flash Flood Warning around 01:39 PST, reporting a levee breach on the White River in the city of Pacific in King County. The warning will remain in effect until 07:45 PST on December 16.
“Go now! Levee break at 3rd Ave SE and Spencer Ct. Evacuate the area that is east of Butte and south of 3rd! More info to come! Leave Megan Court, leave Park View Apts, leave Spencer Court,” the Pacific Police Department said.
“Pacific PD has officers going door to door, in partnership with KCSO, VRFA, and the City of Auburn. Multiple locations at City Hall are open as warming and gathering stations. Please keep roads clear as we are still moving emergency vehicles.”
The levee, a HESCO barrier, failed, prompting the alert. HESCOs are soil-filled barriers designed to protect against flooding. City crews are working to secure more barriers to restore the levee.
This comes just a day after the Green River breached its levee near Tukwila in the same county on December 15.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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