TONASKET – A state of emergency was declared in Tonasket by Mayor Patrick Plumb on Tuesday, June 7.

“It has been determined there is an emergency situation in Okanogan County, at this time, consisting of deep snow pack with abnormally high temperatures resulting in a much faster than normal runoff and the Board of Okanogan County Commissioners did agree to declare an emergency at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 6 and this situation has produced high river levels and the threats of county-wide river flooding with the Okanogan River currently at one foot above flood stage,” a declaration from Plumb stated.

“A forecast by the National Weather Service in Spokane has predicted the Okanogan River will continue to rise over the next week and the Okanogan River flowing through Tonasket has risen significantly over the last three days and has potential to reach just over two feet over flood stage level and such an increase in the river level creates potential for flood damage.

“Now therefore be it resolved that the Mayor of the City of Tonasket declares a state of emergency in the City of Tonasket, effective immediately and continuing through June 30, 2011 unless extended by another declaration by the Mayor of the City of Tonasket. All emergency powers and statutes applicable to this event are hereby activated.”