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Flooding along the Nooksack River has caused significant damage throughout Whatcom County during a record-setting rain event during mid-November, 2021. As a cold front leaves us with clear skies, water continues to funnel from the mountains into our large rivers and flood several lowland communities. This event highlights the power of our river systems, and shows the importance of monitoring, mapping, and modeling our drainages so that we can predict and prepare for similar events in the future.
The Shoreline Management Act (SMA) enacted by the Washington State legislature in 1971 requires most towns and cities to develop and implement Shoreline Master Programs (SMPs) to help preserve and protect Washington’s natural waters. The Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) must be determined on a site-by-site basis in order to properly implement the rules and guidelines found in the Shoreline Master Program.