Early on the morning of December 16, 2025, a White River levee broke and about 2,100 Pacific residents were ordered out of their homes in the dark. It was not the first time the river had come into town. The lower White River, also called the Stuck, runs along the east side of this small city on the valley floor between Auburn and Sumner, at an elevation of roughly 72 feet, and it left its banks in 2006 and 2009 as well. Pacific straddles the King and Pierce county line, and much of it sits on flat, low ground where water has few places to go.
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A River Moved by a Flood, and a Town Built Beside It
The White River did not always run past Pacific. Until the early 1900s it joined the Green River near Auburn; a major flood and log jam in 1906 sent it south into the Stuck channel toward the Puyallup River at Sumner, and that is the course it follows today. Pacific was platted the same year and incorporated in 1909, so the town and the river's current path are almost exactly the same age.
Upstream, Mud Mountain Dam has controlled White River floods since 1948, but the dam cannot hold everything. In January 2009, releases from the dam during heavy rain sent damaging water into Pacific; local musician Jerry Miller, formerly of Moby Grape, lost more than forty years of memorabilia. In November 2006 record rain pushed the river over its banks along Pacific City Park and formed a temporary lake of about 25 acres.
What December 2025 Taught About Levee Risk
A levee lowers the odds of flooding behind it, but a breach can send water across ground that stays dry in most winters. After the White River levee failed in December 2025, the city issued emergency orders covering December 15 and 16. The same storm series pushed the Green River out of its banks in Kent and closed roads in Auburn and Sumner, so the whole south valley was dealing with water at once.
If your home took on water, the city's flood recovery page points residents to state health guidance on cleanup, small-business and household assistance programs, and the reminder that repairs and structural improvements need building permits and, in the floodplain, floodplain development approvals. Properties with heavy damage may also need a substantial damage determination before rebuilding, so check with the City of Pacific Building Division before replacing walls and systems.
Handling White River Floodwater in Your Home
Floodwater from the White River carries silt, debris and sewage from overwhelmed systems, so it should be treated as contaminated. Practical steps for the first days:
- Do not re-enter until officials allow it, and have power shut off before stepping into wet rooms.
- Photograph and video every room, the waterline on walls and damaged belongings before removing anything.
- Wear boots, gloves and an N95 mask when handling wet materials, and keep children and pets out.
- Set aside damaged items for adjusters if your insurer asks; otherwise list and photograph them.
- Contact your flood insurer early, since claims rise sharply after a regional event.
Professional flood cleanup generally means removing mud, cutting drywall and insulation above the waterline, pulling flooring, and cleaning and disinfecting framing before any drying equipment goes in.
Drying Homes on the Valley Floor
Low ground keeps the soil wet long after the river drops, and houses on slabs or crawl spaces in Pacific can stay damp from below for weeks. A restoration crew typically uses water extraction equipment to remove standing water and silt, then runs dehumidifiers and air movers with daily moisture readings. Crawl spaces may need mud removal, new vapor barrier and insulation once they are dry. Rebuilding should wait until readings show the framing and subfloor are dry; closing walls too early traps moisture and invites decay.
Mold Pressure After a Winter Flood
Winter floods leave homes wet at the time of year when outside air is coolest and dampest, which slows natural drying. Mold can begin on soaked drywall, cabinets and carpet within one to two days. Remove saturated porous materials quickly, and avoid sealing or painting over stained areas. If growth covers large areas or keeps returning, a professional can assess moisture behind walls and handle mold remediation before rebuilding.
Areas In and Around Pacific
The same line also serves nearby communities such as:
Pacific Water Damage Questions
Do I need a permit to rebuild after the Pacific flood?
The City of Pacific says repairs and structural improvements to flood-damaged property need the necessary building permits and, where applicable, floodplain development approvals. Homes with heavy damage may be evaluated under substantial damage rules, which can require elevating or otherwise bringing the building into compliance. Contact the city's Building Division before rebuilding, and keep records from your restoration provider showing what was removed and dried.
My homeowners policy denied the flood claim. What now?
Standard homeowners policies exclude flood, which is why river damage is typically covered only through a separate flood policy such as the National Flood Insurance Program. After a declared disaster, renters and homeowners may also qualify for assistance programs such as SBA disaster loans and state cash assistance; the city's 2025 flood page lists current options. Keep photos, receipts and contractor documentation for any application.
How can I get warning before the White River rises again?
King County's flood warning system covers the White River and sends free text, email or phone alerts by flood phase. The City of Pacific also offers eNotify alerts and links to Alert King County. The National Weather Service in Seattle issues flood watches and warnings for the river during atmospheric river events.
Is a home that was not flooded in 2009 safe from future floods?
Not necessarily. Each flood follows its own path, and a levee breach like the one in December 2025 behaves differently from water simply topping a riverbank. Check your address on FEMA's flood maps, consider flood coverage even outside high-risk zones, and keep valuables and important papers off the floor of garages and ground-level rooms during the rainy season.