Latest Forecast---4:45am

The National Weather Service in Portland has issued a Flood Warning for the Cowlitz River at Castle Rock and at Kelso from 8:00pm Wednesday until 5:00am Friday. River stage forecasts are based on observed and forecast rainfall and temperatures. If actual rainfall and temperatures vary from the forecast value, the river stage will vary accordingly. River forecasts include current and planned reservoir releases. For the latest river stages and forecast, visit http://weather.gov/portland. At 4:00am the Cowlitz River at Castle Rock was 39.0 feet/26000 CFS. Flood stage is 48.0 feet and flood flow is 65000CFS. The river is forecast to rise above flood stage around 8:00pm Wednesday and is expected to crest at 50.6 feet around 10:00am Thursday. (Remember, flood stage means the point at which the river is at its natural bank, not at the diked area). At 4:00am the Cowlitz River at Kelso was at 20.1 feet, flood stage is 21.5 feet. The river is expected to rise above flood stage around 12:00pm Wednesday and is expected to crest at 24.2 feet around 7:00am Thursday. The impact of these figures will likely be minor flooding of residential areas and widespread impact of pasture land and low-lying areas. There will be another forecast around 1:00pm.