Skagit River flooding possible

Recent rain may cause the Skagit River to flood this week. The river was forecast to reach flood stage — a depth of 28 feet — late Monday, according to the Northwest River Forecast Center.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch Sunday afternoon. A flood watch means flooding is possible based on weather conditions.

Between 10 a.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. Monday, 2.12 inches of rain fell in the North Cascades, according to weather service data. Between 0.9 and 1.54 inches were recorded in places between Lyman and Anacortes.

As of 4 p.m. Monday, the river was approaching 26.5 feet near Concrete, according to U.S. Geological Survey data. Near Mount Vernon, the river was approaching 25 feet.

The Northwest River Forecast Center expects the river may crest early Tuesday at about 29.6 feet, which is considered mild flooding.

The river may remain above flood stage until midday Wednesday in Mount Vernon, according to the forecast.

The Samish River is also running high, approaching 10 feet as of 4 p.m. Monday.

Samish Bay shellfish beds are closed to harvest due to river rise, according to the state Department of Health.