The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning Thursday afternoon for the Bear Gulch burn scar in northwestern Mason County, warning that heavy rain
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning Thursday afternoon for the Bear Gulch burn scar in northwestern Mason County, warning that heavy rain from thunderstorms could trigger dangerous flooding and debris flows.
The warning, issued at 3:37 p.m. PDT, is in effect until 5:30 p.m.
WASHINGTON STATE WILDFIRES | 250K+ acres, budget cuts may affect fire prevention efforts
Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms were producing heavy rain over the burn scar, and flash flooding was ongoing or expected to begin shortly, according to the weather service.
Excessive rainfall could produce debris flows consisting of rock, mud, vegetation and other loose materials.
Flooding is expected in and around the Bear Gulch burn scar, including the headwaters of the North Fork Skokomish River.
The fire burned approximately 15 miles northwest of Hoodsport, along Lake Cushman, on steep, rocky slopes in Olympic National Forest last summer.
The weather service called the flooding a life-threatening situation and warned that heavy rainfall could cause extensive and severe flash flooding of creeks, streams, and ditches in the burn scar.
Severe debris flows could cross roads, and roads and driveways could be washed away in some locations.
People who encounter floodwaters should climb to safety, the weather service said.
The human-caused Bear Gulch Fire began the evening of July 6, 2025; most trails reopened by July 8th; FS-2451 and Copper Creek Trail remain closed after the Bear Gulch Fire.
