In light of recent flooding in Texas that resulted in the loss of over 100 lives, the City of Carnation has raised concerns about the inactive siren-based early warning system for the Tolt Dam, which has been silent since March 2024 after multiple malfunctions. KOMO News reported Carnation’s Deputy Mayor Jim Ribail criticising Seattle Public Utilities for not providing a "reliable warning for a Tolt Dam failure for five years now," in a situation where Carnation is exposed to potential flooding without receiving any water or revenue from the dam.
The former siren system was designed as a frontline alert for residents in the event of a dam break, and its importance was highlighted by comparing the Texas counties affected by floods, with a note that only Kendall County had an audible early warning system and recorded no loss of life. However, Seattle Public Utilities has shifted to alternative notification systems, including the Wireless Emergency Alert system, King County ALERT notifications, Reverse 911 phone calls, and weather radio notifications. SPU cites continuous 24/7 monitoring and daily safety checks as measures to ensure dam safety, as stated in their response to Living Snoqualmie.
Amidst these rising concerns, Carnation stresses the importance of an operational outdoor siren system to alert its residents and tourists who may not even be aware of the dam's existence. A statement made by Carnation and reported by Valley Record emphasizes the urgency, given the high tourism and potential lack of cellular service in emergencies.
Seattle Public Utilities has sought to remind Carnation and the surrounding areas of the dam's benefits in flood management, environmental impact, and economic significance to the Puget Sound region. They argue, as reported in their statement to Living Snoqualmie that the dam "reduces flood potential from the South Fork Tolt River" and ensures beneficial river flows year-round. Additionally, providing drinking water from the Tolt Dam assists in supporting the local economy, which indirectly benefits Carnation, despite them stating that they receive neither water nor revenue from it.
