In 2025, the Pacific Northwest grappled with extreme weather and natural hazards that tested communities across Snohomish County and beyond. Below are the highlights of our environmental coverage for 2025.
Record-breaking flooding in Washington: Rescues, Federal Emergency, and infrastructure damage
In December of 2025, historic flooding struck Western Washington, with Snohomish County seeing dozens of rescues (60–70 people saved by local fire, National Guard, and swift-water teams), road closures, infrastructure damage, and evacuations. Rivers like the Stillaguamish and Skykomish reached record levels after 14–17 inches of rain. No fatalities occurred despite tens of thousands evacuated. Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state emergency, and President Trump approved a federal declaration for potential aid. Officials warned of slow recession and another storm risk, with economic impacts like millions in losses from Highway 2 closures. Emphasis was placed on safety and long-term recovery.
Olympic Pipeline leak results in SeaTac flight impacts
On November 11, 2025, a leak was discovered in BP’s Olympic Pipeline gasoline line near Everett/Snohomish, prompting shutdown of both lines. The fuel line to Sea-Tac Airport was partially restored, but gasoline repairs continued without a timeline. No major environmental impact or gas price spikes occurred, and Governor Ferguson declared an emergency for truck fuel deliveries during peak Thanksgiving travel. This marked the fourth leak in recent years (including a deadly 1999 incident). Senator Cantwell pushed for safety legislation, while state/federal agencies coordinated cleanup and oversight.
Successful Partnership Leads to Grant Milestone for Edmonds Marsh Restoration
The Edmonds Marsh restoration project, a collaboration between the City of Edmonds, Edmonds Marsh Estuary Advocates, Blue Coast Engineering, NOAA, and others, aims to excavate part of the former Unocal site, open a channel to Puget Sound, and enhance flood protection, water quality, and habitat resilience against sea level rise. In October 14, 2025, preliminary evaluations were completed with a $226,000 NCRF grant (plus community and city support). A new grant for 30% design advanced to full submission. Volunteer efforts and public planning drive the project, with challenges including site ownership, permitting, and full funding.
Hundreds of Earthquakes Swarm Mt. Rainier
From July 8–23, 2025, 895 small earthquakes (largest M2.4) occurred 1.5–4 miles beneath Mount Rainier’s summit. Activity decreased to a few per hour, and experts from the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network attribute it to minor hydrothermal system changes, not signaling an imminent eruption (alert level remained green/normal). Monitoring continued with 20 stations. No damage or felt quakes occurred.
South County Firefighters assisted with Los Angeles Wildfires
The Los Angeles wildfires, starting January 7, 2025, burned over 23,400 acres, destroyed 16,000+ structures, killed at least 29 (including firefighters), and displaced 80,000 people, with damages estimated at $250–275 billion. Fueled by winds and dry conditions, they were fully contained by February 17. South County (Snohomish area) firefighters, including eight volunteers from Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue and others, deployed for two weeks to protect structures using direct/indirect methods and air support. Their efforts prevented losses in assigned zones, with costs reimbursed via mutual aid.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
