*The Cowlitz County DEM sent out an update around 12:30 P.M. and they said the river level in Kelso is expected to remain fairly flat. Upstream could see the higher increases”

The Cowlitz River is expected to rise even more starting this afternoon. According to a release from Lewis County Fire District #2, Tacoma Power will be increasing discharge from the Mayfield Dam. They plan to increase the discharge from 14,600 cubic feet per second to 23,000 cubic feet per second, or even higher near midnight. They estimate the water may rise by about 2.5 feet. Be advised that this could cause higher risks of flooding in low-lying areas along the river.