The National Weather Service’s Portland office issued a flood watch Friday to remain in effect until 4 p.m. Tuesday for several areas of the state, including Benton County, because of excessive rainfall.
A forecast for Philomath predicts around 2.75 inches of rain over the next five days.
Marys River flow data predicts that it will not reach flood stage — which is considered to be 20 feet — with a crest of nearly 18-1/2 feet within the period of the flood watch. As of 1 p.m. Friday, the NWS’s Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service showed the river level at 4.3 feet.
Last year in early January, the river flooded with a crest of just over 21 feet.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the National Weather Service said through a flood watch alert. “Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.”
Philomath’s weather forecast shows daytime high temperatures in the 50- to 60-degree range through Dec. 6.