Hazardous Debris Removal Underway on Lake Washington

This week, Marine Patrol began the process of removing trees, logs, and debris on Lake Washington that have been flushed into the lake via flooded rivers. Several hundred large trees and logs are free floating in Lake Washington or have collected along the shoreline and docks. Free floating debris are hazards to navigation on Lake Washington and boaters should take extra care while out on the lake.

Removal of large, waterlogged trees, logs, and debris, is a slow process and will take several weeks to months. Marine Patrol is focused on removing debris that poses the greatest risk to the public: free floating debris that are hazards to navigation. Once that is complete, they will work to remove less hazardous logs that have collected along shorelines and docks.

The Marine Patrol Unit has limited means to remove debris from Lake Washington. Access to the Boat Launch may be limited as this work is done. 

Use extra caution while navigating and recreating on Lake Washington

Hundreds of large trees, logs, and other debris are free floating in the lake. Boaters are urged to use extra caution while out on Lake Washington.

If boaters or residents come across free-floating logs or trees, they can call the non-emergency line at 425-577-5656 to make a report or leave a message at 206-275-7909. Please include the date seen, location, and contact information in case Marine Patrol needs additional information. 

Who to call if logs have piled up against private docks or shorelines

The Marine Patrol Unit is concentrating on debris that pose a hazard to navigation, i.e. free-floating logs and hazardous debris. Once those hazards have been removed, they will work to remove hazardous logs along public shorelines and other areas. Residents who have logs against their docks or shoreline can call tow boat service or landscape companies who may assist with private property removal for a fee.