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Water and Land Resources Division

If the document or information that you are seeking is not listed here, please call 206-477-4800, Toll-free 800-325-6165 or TTY 711.

Brochures & flyers

Most files are provided in Adobe Acrobat.

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Manual, plans and reports

 A Literature Review of Recommended Buffer Widths To Maintain Various Functions Of Stream Riparian Areas (Water's Edge) 

Bear Creek Basin Plan
Tom Beavers
The Bear Creek Basin Plan was adopted by the King County Council in 1995.  The plan assessed the condition of the 51 square mile Bear Creek drainage basin located northeast of Redmond, and predicted future changes based on development patterns.  The plan recommended ways to protect valuable stream, wetland and fishery habitat and reduce flooding, erosion and sedimentation.

The Bear Creek Basin is the most productive spawning salmonid basin for its size in the Puget Sound area, with over 30,000 fish returning annually.  The basin contains many acres of diverse wetlands and a unique and abundant freshwater mussel population indicating very good water quality.  The basin also has severely erodible hillsides that threaten both stream resources and public safety.

Best Management Practices for Golf Course Development and Operation
Jeff Burkey

Bear Creek Current & Future Conditions Analysis
Tom Beavers
A 150+ page report documenting the technical and professional analysis upon which the Bear Creek Basin Plan is founded. This includes land use, hydrology, geology, stream channel characteristics, stream habitat and water quality analyses.

Beaver Lake Management Plan, Nov. 1993


1993 Lake Management Plan
From Phase I Centennial Clean Water Fund Management Plan which describes: the study area, project methods, existing water quality of the lake, modeling analysis, and lake and watershed management recommendations needed to preserve lake water quality. Appendices contain background materials used to develop the plan.

Beaver Lake Management Plan & Technical Appendices, 1996 - 2000

Lower Cedar River Basin and Nonpoint Pollution Action Plan
Tom Beavers
Describes the condition of the basin and proposes solutions to the problems of flooding and declining salmon and steelhead runs. The plan also recommends preventive measures to protect water quality, groundwater supplies, and habitat as the basin planning area continues to develop. The plan was adopted by the Metropolitan King County Council in July, 1997.

Cedar River Current & Future Conditions Report
Tom Beavers
This November, 1993 report describes the conditions in the tributary and mainstem systems of the 66-square-mile BPA through several disciplinary perspectives. These disciplines include geology and groundwater, hydrology, erosion and deposition, water quality, aquatic habitat, and the public & governmental forces affecting the basin's resources. Conditions are discussed from basinwide and subbasin points of view.

Channel Migration In The Three-Forks Area of the Snoqualmie River
Terry Butler
Historic limits and rates of channel migration, estimation of probable future limits, and maps depicting channel migration hazard zones.

Characteristics Of The Low-Elevation Sphagnum-Dominate Peatlands of Western Washington: A Community Profile
Part 1: Physical, Chemical and Vegetation Characteristics.

Chinook Bend Year Five (2014) Monitoring and Maintenance Report
Monitoring results for the Chinook Bend Floodplain Reconnection Project on the Snoqualmie River, five years after completion.

Des Moines Creek Basin Plan (7.12 Mb)
The plan recommends watershed management measures to protect resources and respond to increasing hazards & property damage in Des Moines creek basins from rapid urbanization. 1997

East Lake Sammamish Conditions Report
Tom Beavers
This report assesses surface water problems and the overall conditions of streams, lakes, and wetlands in the ELS basin. It also predicts how these conditions will change as the basin develops. The information from the report was used to provide input for the development of a comprehensive basin management plan. Aquatic resources are in fair to good condition, but are beginning to experience great change as a result of land-use changes from small farms and low-density residential uses to suburban and urban densities. These changes include increases in stream flows, and human alteration of streams, wetlands and their vegetated corridors. The effects of these changes include localized flooding, decreased water quality, erosion of stream channels and steep slopes, and loss of fish & wildlife habitat.

Final East Lake Sammamish Basin & Nonpoint Action Plan, December, 1994
Tom Beavers
This plan evaluates the water quality, aquatic resources, and surface water problems of the ELS Basin under past, current, and future conditions. It also defines a comprehensive surface water management program. The plan combines a county-funded basin plan and state-funded nonpoint action plan. Both basinwide and subbasin management recommendations are contained in the plan. These include: (1) regulatory controls focusing on improved onsite retention/detention, improved water quality control, and requirements for subcatchment areas that drain to significant wetlands, (2) capital improvement projects to reduce water pollution, flooding and erosion, and repair damage to aquatic habitat, and (3) education, evaluation, and monitoring programs.

Eastern Tributaries of the Lower Green River Enhanced Reconnaissance Report
This November 1994 study has two basic goals: 1. To produce a rapid but systematic inventory & analysis of conditions in the stream and drainage system, covering resources and problems under both current and future land uses: 2. To identify the high-priority management needs in the study area and to outline a recommended program for surface water management.

Evaluation of Commercially Available Catch Basin Inserts For The Treatment Of Stormwater Runoff From Developed Sites
John Koon
Growing concern over the impact of pollutants that are washed from paved areas in the urban environment has prompted regulatory agencies to examine new methods of stormwater treatment. The private sector recognizes the need to develop products that will help reduce water pollution problems. Among these products are devices designed to fit beneath storm drain inlets and remove pollutants from stormwater runoff. These devices are commonly referred to as catch basin inserts.

Evaluation of Water Quality Ponds & Swales In The Issaquah/East Lake Sammamish Basins
John Koon
Originally conceived as a pair of inflow/outflow performance evaluations of two wetponds, the focus of the project expanded from the quantification of removal efficiencies of wetponds, to include the documentation of the overall status of wetponds and biofiltration swales.

Flooding related documents

King County Flood Hazard Management Plan
Our guide for managing flood risks along our rivers, creeks, and shorelines. We’re in the process for creating a new flood plan by 2024.

Green-Duwamish and Puget Sound Water Resource Inventory Area 9 Habitat Limiting Factors And Reconnaissance Assessment Report
Doug Osterman

The WRIA 9 Habitat Limiting Factors and Reconnaissance Assessment Report covers both the Green/Duwamish River Watershed and the Central Puget Sound Watershed (including Vashon/Maury Islands). It gathers in one place existing information as of 2000 on the past, present, and likely future conditions of salmon and salmon habitat. It includes detailed fish distribution maps. It describes factors of salmon decline such as hydrology, sediment transport, hydromodification (changes to the river channel), riparian (streamside) condition, fish passage, and non-native species.

This is a large, two-volume report. A free CD-ROM of the report may be requested from the Washington Conservation Commission at 360-407-6200. Pdf versions can be downloaded via the Internet from: www.govlink.org/watersheds/9/reports/. Hard copies are available through the Seattle Public Library and King County Library systems. Hard copies for purchase are available from the South Center Kinko's in Tukwila at 206-244-8884. Call in advance.

Green River Channel Migration Study
Steve Bleifuhs
In order to regulate development in hazardous zones along rapidly migrating rivers, the KCFHRP recommended conducting channel migration studies and hazard mapping along these rivers. This report includes determination of historic limits and rates of channel migration, estimation of probable future limits of channel migration, and development of maps that show channel migration hazard zones along the Green River.

Guidelines for Bank Stabilization Projects In the Riverine Environments of  King County
Jeanne Stypula
This document has been developed to assist scientists and engineers with the planning and design of bank stabilization projects. It presents information on bank erosion and stabilization techniques for large river systems. This is a practical guide for assessing erosion problems and evaluating alternative solutions.

Hydrologic monitoring report : volume 1, containing data for water years 1988-1994
David Funke
This report documents rainfall and streamflow data to support hydrologic modeling in the Basin Planning Unit of King County Surface Water Managment. It also includes the collection of water quality samples and the storage of water quality data for SWM and acquires other data sets from other sources for SWM use.

Hylebos Creek & Lower Puget Sound Executive Proposed Basin Plan (Adopted 1994)
Gino Lucchetti
The Plan assesses the condition of aquatic systems in these basins circa 1990 and predicts future changes based on development patterns. It recommends a variety of management tools that, when fully implemented, will result in long-term stability and protection of significant beneficial uses in the aquatic systems. The two basins cover 35 miles of streams, 11 named lakes, and numerous wetlands.

Hylebos Creek and Lower Puget Sound Current and Future Conditions Report (this report is in 4 parts, listed below summary)
Gino Lucchetti
As background and supporting information for recommendations for the 1994 Hylebos Creek & Lower Puget Sound Executive Proposed Basin Plan, the Current and Future Conditions (CFC) Report  (in four parts, see links below) describes geology and groundwater, hydrology, erosion and deposition, water quality, aquatic habitat, fish use, and the public & governmental forces affecting the basin's resources. Conditions are current (ca 1990) and future (full build-out) and basinwide and subbasin perspectives

Issaquah Creek Current and Future Conditions and Source Identification Report
Tom Beavers
Provides background information for the development of the Issaquah Creek Basin and Nonpoint Action Plan that was adopted by the King County Council in 1995. This report assesses current and future problems with streams, wetland, and lakes in the Issaquah Creek drainage basin.  It predicts how surface water conditions may change as changes in land use occur. Further, it contains study findings from field investigations and simulation modeling.

Issaquah Creek Basin & Nonpoint Action Plan (Adopted 1995)
Tom Beavers
Plan proposed solutions to drainage related problems of flooding, water pollution, and loss of habitat in Issaquah Creek and Tibbetts Creek.

KCRTS Software
Dale Nelson
KCRTS is King County’s hydrologic design software. This program is used for the design of stormwater facilities as required under the King County Surface Water Design Manual. The software is contained on a CD and also comes with a hard copy of the Computer Software Reference Manual.

King County Lake Volunteer Monitoring Report
Sally Abella

King County Lake Water Quality: A Trend Report On King County Small Lakes
Sally Abella
This document reports the results of a statistical trend analysis on 23 of the 51 lakes that have databases of samples collected by volunteers for the Lake Stewardship Program. Data collected from lakes that did not meet the criteria for trend analysis are also reported and discussed. Both sets of data are analyzed with reference to future stewardship activities and a discussion of general suggestions for further action is also included. Publication date: November 2001

Lake Desire Management Plan (Final Plan), April 1995, includes background and technical reports
Sally Abella
This document describes the Phase I Centennial Clean Water Fund management plan that was developed for Lake Desire. The plan describes the study area, project methods, existing water quality of the lake, modeling analysis, and lake and watershed management recommendations needed to improve lake water quality. The Technical Reports contains twelve background materials which were used in the development of the project plan.

Lake Sammamish Water Quality Management Plan
Jonathan Frodge

Lake Sawyer Management Plan and Appendices
Sally Abella

Lake Twelve Management Plan (Final report)
This May, 1994 report covers a small, shallow lake 1 mi. NE of Black Diamond. The Plan recommends restoration & watershed management measures to improve and prevent further degradation of the lake ecosystem and the beneficial uses it supports.

May Creek Basin Action Plan
Tom Beavers

May Creek Current & Future Conditions Report
Tom Beavers
This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the current conditions and predicts future trends in the May Creek Basin. Its primary purposes are to identify significant conditions and issues to be addressed in the May Creek Basin Plan, and to serve as a resource for future agency actions.

Miller Creek Basin Reconnaissance Report #4
Andy Levesque

Miller Creek Water Quality Management Plan
Glen Evans
This plan, which covers 22 sq. miles of SW King County, recommends watershed management actions to improve water quality and protect aquatic resources. The most serious problems in Mill Creek include: A dissolved oxygen depression from river mile 3.3 to 5.6, Stream channel erosion & sediment deposition in Peasley Canyon, and high summer water temperatures. Capital improvements projects are recommended to control sources of pollution, reduce nonpoint pollution loadings, reduce peak flows and flooding, and implement best management practices. A public involvement and education program and monitoring element are also recommended basin-wide.

King County Ordinances

Patterson Creek Basin Reconnaissance Report

An Atlas of the Watersheds of King County, Washington

Rainbow Bend Monitoring and Maintenance Report (6.4 MB pdf)
Outcome for years 1 and 2 (2014 and 2015) of a Cedar River project to remove a levee and reconnect the river to its floodplain, to reduce flood risk and improve aquatic habitat.

Reconnaissance Reports (Individual Reports)
Clint Loper
These reports describe land use, geology, and stream habitat conditions in the 30 stream basins encompassed within the King County Surface Water Management Service Area. The field work was done in 1986-7 and the report was finalized in late 1987.

Sammamish River Corridor Conditions & Enhancement Opportunities
Steve Bleifuhs
This document describes opportunities intended primarily to improve fisheries habitat & create linkages between an existing trail system and the river while preserving current levels of flood protection.

Sediment Transport Along The S. Fork & Main Stem Of The Snoqualmie
Chase Barton
This document analyzes the movement of coarse sediment along the Snoqualmie River, from North Bend, downstream to the confluence with the Skykomish River. The results are based on a combination of field sediment samples, gauged flow records, flood studies of the river, and theoretical sediment transport models. It also analyzes the value of dredging as a flood control strategy.

Sensitive Areas Map Folio (external)
Department of Permitting and Environmental Review: 206-296-6600
Not available at WLRD but at the above department.

Soos Creek Basin Plan
Josh Kahan
The plan recommends watershed management measures to protect resources and respond to increasing hazards & property damage in Soos, Jenkins, & Covington Creek Basins from rapid urbanization.

South Fork Snoqualmie River Feasibility Report
Tom Bean
This report documents initial feasibility studies done for the Reif Road Hazard Mitigation Grant Project. The project is intended to reduce flood hazards in the North Bend area. For financial reasons, this study was terminated prematurely. The report documents incomplete study results done before termination.

Stormwater Management Program

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Manual
Doug Navetski
This manual presents reasonable pollution prevention measures required of businesses and other residents in unincorporated King County. The requirements focus on source control measures which prevent pollution from entering storm drains, streams, lakes, and groundwater. Information is also provided on stormwater treatment options and resources for technical assistance.

Strategic Plan Executive Proposal
The Surface Water Management Strategic Plan proposes a future program which protects vital King County water resources from urbanization, aggressively solves long standing flooding problems, and seeks to meet state mandates for growth management and new Federal water quality laws. The Strategic Plan presents a six year program for 1992 through 1997, with stable service charge rates in two three year increments. It expands the existing service area, the western, urbanized 1/3 of unincorporated King County, with the inclusion of the Middle Cedar River Drainage Basin.

Surface Water Design Manual
Mark Wilgus
This manual contains the design requirements for stormwater control facilities and BMPs for development projects in unincorporated King County. Current and archived versions are available at the above link.

Tolt & Raging River Channel Migration Study With Maps
The results of this study will be used to formulate regulations for development in the Tolt & Raging Rivers, both tributaries to the Snoqualmie River.

Tolt River Flood Control Project Feasibility Report
Tom Bean
This report contains hydrologic and hydraulic studies, geotechnical and geomorphic studies, and survey data, and presents our analyses, conclusions, recommendations and estimated costs for each of three alternatives studied as part of this project, in order to reduce the flood hazard along this reach of the Tolt River. In addition, the feasibility report presents our recommended alternative for design.

Wetland Breeding Amphibian Monitoring Program

Newsletters

Files are provided in Adobe Acrobat.

Public education materials

Booklets

Flood Warning Information for Major Rivers in King County, 2010-2011
This brochure outlines the 4-phase flood warning systems for: Cedar River Basin, Green River Basin,
Snoqualmie River Basin and White River Basin.

Programs for Educators
Guide for Educators on current King County materials, funding sources and organizations.

Puget Sound Shoreline Stewardship Guidebook - King County Edition
Information about the shoreline environment and advice for waterfront residents.

Lakeside Living Video

If the document or information that you are seeking is not listed here, or for other questions about documents, please contact 206-477-4800. Toll-free 800-325-6165 or TTY 711.

Alternate text formats will provided to people with disabilities upon request.

For questions about Water and Land Resource Division publications, please call 206-477-4800.

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