Have you ever been to a primary care doctor and wondered why they focus on treating symptoms instead of addressing the root cause of your illness? Rather than take a patient-centered approach to address questions like, “Why are you ill?” they prescribe medications that alleviate symptoms but don’t do much to solve the underlying issue that’s causing you to be sick.
When you have a runny nose, you’re handed an antihistamine. When you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, you’re prescribed a pill that treats the number. The truth is that this approach only tackles your symptoms. When the root cause isn’t fixed, your symptoms can get exponentially worse. Remember - your body’s dysfunction isn’t due to your meds not working.
This begs the question: Wouldn't you rather address the underlying cause of your health concerns so you can experience long-term relief? As a naturopathic doctor in Bellingham, WA, Dr. Erica Oberg takes a functional approach to medicine and well-being instead of treating the symptoms her patients endure.
Health is a state of vibrant vitality, abundant energy, and positive affect. It can be learned, cultivated, and practiced by everyone. Dr. Oberg's approach to health and medicine combines the rigors of science with the wisdom of nature and our bodies. She is passionate about helping people experience a higher level of health and vitality. As such, her clinical practice focuses on preventing, reversing, and taming chronic disease, neuro-degeneration, and anti-aging.
Dr. Oberg specializes in nutrition & lifestyle, IV therapy, and identifying the underlying causes of disease using advanced testing and creating customized treatment plans to help individuals dial in their lifestyle, dietary supplements, peptides, bioidentical hormones, anti-aging pharmaceuticals, and more. If you’re looking for individualized, science-based, proactive functional, integrative, or natural medicine, we believe you’ll resonate with Dr. Oberg and work your way through life’s challenges with help from our functional medicine clinic in Bellingham, WA.
Dr. Oberg and her team of licensed providers specialize in a range of naturopathic and science-based services, including but not limited to:
If you're ready to reclaim your vitality and learn more about Dr. Oberg's approach to health and medicine, we make it easy to get started. The first step is to have a complimentary 15-minute phone call to ask questions and determine if her approach is a good fit. Once Dr. Oberg understands your health needs and goals, your journey to optimal health and wellness truly begins.
Now that you know more about what makes Dr. Oberg different from other physicians, let's dig a little deeper into some of the most popular programs and clinical services offered at her functional medicine clinic.
As people get older, many things change in life. Often, those changes are good, like having more self-control, financial freedom, and patience. Others are hard to deal with, especially when they're out of our control. Like all things in life, our hormones change when we get older. These fluctuations can cause problems for both men and women, including:
If those symptoms sound familiar, you're not alone. A 2019 American Psychological Association survey found that almost half of women aged 30 to 60 in the US have experienced symptoms of a hormonal imbalance. Of course, as men age, they suffer from imbalanced hormones, too. Research from BodyLogicMD states that nearly 38% of males in America aged 45 and older have a testosterone deficiency.
The good news is that balancing your hormones and addressing the root cause of your symptoms doesn’t have to be hard. It’s a realistic goal with Dr. Oberg by your side. As a functional medicine doctor in Bellingham, WA, she can help your body metabolize and detoxify both your own hormones and the endocrine-disrupting chemicals infiltrating your life. When your hormones are in harmony, you experience improved energy, mood, and overall health – and that’s something to be excited about.
Our comprehensive Three-Month Hormone Balancing Program is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to take control of your hormonal health. This is no "one-and-done service" - it's a holistic journey that spans three transformative months, offering the support and guidance to become confident, capable, and healthier than ever. Features of our hormone balancing program include:
You will receive support throughout your journey from Dr. Oberg, who will provide healthcare services, and our health coaches, who offers personalized coaching tailored to your specific needs.
Nutrition has a significant impact on hormonal health. A customized hormone-balancing diet plan will be provided to help nourish the body optimally based on individual goals.
We provide a range of practical strategies and tips for regulating hormone balance through your nervous system. These techniques aim to empower you to take control of your well-being.
When appropriate, we’ll prescribe you hormone replacement therapy (HRT), testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), or growth hormone peptide therapy to help balance your hormones.
At our functional medical office, we make it a point to correct the root causes of our patient's problems. We don't treat symptoms - but we do use them to figure out the underlying issues you're facing. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it could be time to consider HRT.
When you mention hormone replacement therapy, most people think the treatment is exclusively for females going through menopause. While that's partially true - HRT can relieve night sweats, hot flashes, and other menopause-related problems - men also deal with imbalanced hormones.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual health. Low levels can result in decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual performance issues. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may be a sign of imbalanced hormones or low testosterone levels.
When your sleep patterns change - like when you have trouble falling or staying asleep - it could be a sign of a hormone imbalance. Testosterone is involved in regulating the sleep cycle, and insufficient levels of it can disrupt quality rest.
Imbalances in hormones can affect mental health and mood. If a man shows signs of irritability, mood swings, or depression, it could indicate low testosterone or other hormonal issues. Hormone replacement therapy can help regulate mood by balancing your hormone levels.
Menopause happens when a woman has not had a menstrual cycle for at least 12 consecutive months. It is a result of declining sex hormone levels, causing the ovaries to stop releasing egg cells. During menopause, women face a range of challenges.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in male sexual health. Low levels can result in decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual performance issues. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may be a sign of imbalanced hormones or low testosterone levels.
Irregular menstrual cycles are a common sign that women are nearing menopause, and their hormone levels may be shifting. The frequency of their periods may increase or decrease, and the amount of bleeding could be more or less than usual, while also lasting for a shorter or longer time.
Hot flashes are perhaps the most well-known symptom of menopause and a frequent sign that a woman's hormones are imbalanced. Hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth and sweating that are usually most intense on your face, neck, and chest.
Don't let hormone imbalances dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your balance, energy, and vitality. By working together with Dr. Oberg and her team, you can unlock the path to a healthier, more harmonious you.
When you choose Dr. Oberg as your naturopathic doctor in Bellingham, WA, a new world of healthy living and wellness options are at your disposal. One of the most popular and effective ways to give your body the goodness it needs is with custom IV therapy at our functional medicine office.
Customized IV therapy from Dr. Oberg is all about tailoring your treatment to meet your health goals and needs. Unlike one-size-fits-all IV clinics, our team considers factors like nutrient deficiencies, hydration levels, and overall health to create a customized infusion. This personalized approach gives you better and more applicable results, whether you're looking to get a boost of energy, fortify your immune system, or get relief from a specific ailment.
Your custom IV therapy begins with a consultation with Dr. Oberg. During your initial meeting, we’ll get a better sense of what your brain and body needs. From there, we’ll create a custom infusion for you – not just a formula that matches your height, weight, and age.
Our IV drip therapy menu includes infusions such as:
IV therapy is considered one of the best ways to get the nutrients and immune-boosting goodness your body needs because it gives you a more direct, efficient means of delivery. Unlike oral supplement, which often falls short due to digestive limitations, IV therapy ensures swift and comprehensive nutrient absorption. Some of the biggest benefits of IV therapy from a functional medicine doctor in Bellingham, WA include the following:
IV fluids and electrolytes rapidly hydrate your body, providing an efficient remedy for dehydration resulting from illness, physical activity, or excessive alcohol intake.
IV treatment is able to increase energy and fight tiredness, which can make you feel re-energized.
IV infusions containing immune-enhancing vitamins and antioxidants can fortify your immune system and assist in recovering from illness.
IV therapy containing growth factors, exosomes, and vitamins is effective in improving the health and appearance of the skin and hair. These components complement hair and facial microneedling treatments exceptionally well.
IV therapy can help reduce the symptoms of toxic exposure, like headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration, whether it's from a basic hangover or prolonged exposure to molds, heavy metals, or other toxins.
Dr. Oberg’s personalized IV infusions can serve as an initial boost for making lifestyle changes and play a role in a sustained plan to control persistent conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, cancer, heart disease, and others.
Support Mitochondria function and Anti-aging
Dr. Oberg offers carefully sourced and research backed regenerative therapies such as exosome and stem cell infusions. These can be powerful options for people recovering from chronic infections such as long COVID or Epstein Barr or Lyme. They are also powerful for neuro-regeneration and we frequently use them in stroke recovery and for traumatic brain injury.
Dr. Oberg offers personalized IV micronutrient therapy tailored to address specific nutritional deficiencies, hydration needs, and overall health. This therapy is based on advanced testing that evaluates your cells' nutrient levels. Whether you need more energy, a stronger immune system, or relief from different health issues, IV drip therapy can be customized to help you rediscover the very best version of yourself.
As we get older, our bodies experience a range of changes that affect our health and appearance. These changes are primarily caused by issues with mitochondria and cellular aging. However, there have been significant developments in regenerative medicine, offering the potential to turn back the hands of time and improve health. Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Oberg to begin your journey with regenerative medicine.
Regenerative medicine is an exciting, innovative field that centers on activating your body's innate regenerative abilities to repair and revitalize tissues, cells, and organs. Its focus is on improving your body's natural healing processes to counteract the impacts of aging and different health issues. If you find that old, nagging injuries won’t go away or that fine lines and wrinkles have become overwhelming, anti-aging medicine from a functional medicine doctor in Bellingham, WA may be perfect for you.
At our naturopathic medical office, we use treatments like IV therapy, hormone replacement therapy, and Peptide Therapy to manage a broad array of health and aesthetic concerns. These treatments can aid in tissue repair, inflammation reduction, and enhancement of cellular function.
Anti-aging services offered at our functional medicine clinic include the following:
Peptides are fundamental components of proteins and play a crucial role in various biological processes, such as the aging process. Dr. Oberg offers peptide treatments to help counteract age-related decline, enhance muscle growth and performance, improve skin health, and more.
When you bring your hormones back into balance, you can fight back against issues such as fatigue, mood swings, reduced libido, and even erectile dysfunction.
Replenish vital nutrients, antioxidants, and hydration for improved energy levels, skin health, and immune support.
Exosomes are tiny vesicles generated from mesenchymal stem cells. These vesicles serve as powerful communicators, transmitting signals to various tissues in the body. Their main function is to trigger healing, regeneration, and repair processes, mimicking the actions of younger cells. They are considered to be one of the most effective strategies for combating the aging process.
When nutrition guidance, lifestyle adaptations, and powerful supplements are combined with naturopathic medical therapies from Dr. Oberg, you can reverse chronic diseases in your life and reach your anti-aging goals.
Our goal with regenerative medicine treatments is to rejuvenate deteriorating or aging tissue. Our approach to treatment centers on fixing and reversing damage instead of solely addressing symptoms like pain. Regenerative medicine harnesses the power of healthy cells to renew and restore function by enhancing the body's innate capacity for self-healing.
Dr. Oberg uses regenerative medicine to treat a range of issues, both aesthetic and injury-related, including the following:
Experience the future of anti-aging and regenerative medicine with Dr. Erica Oberg. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and embark on your journey to a healthier, more youthful you.
When you visit our functional medicine clinic, you can rest easy knowing Dr. Erica Oberg uses her unique skills, knowledge, and naturopathic principles for the betterment of your health and well-being. Unlike many traditional primary care providers, our team combines the best aspects of traditional wisdom and modern scientific medicine to diagnose, treat, and prevent chronic diseases.
You don't have to worry about us suggesting addictive pain medications or treatments that simply mask your aesthetic or medical challenges. Instead, our goal is to address the underlying factors holding you back. If you're ready to take the first step toward purposeful progress and healthy living, contact us today.
All lanes remained closed on northbound Interstate 5 south of Bellingham on Saturday due to major rockslides, according to the state Department of Transportation.It was unclear when the freeway would reopen.I-5 closed Thursday night after slides left rocks, trees and debris blocking all lanes, between Lake Padden and Lake Samish. An estimated 2,000 to 3,000 cubic yards of debris slid down the slope to the freeway. An Olympic-sized swimming pool is typically just over 3,000 cubic yards.At least one of the rocks was larger...
All lanes remained closed on northbound Interstate 5 south of Bellingham on Saturday due to major rockslides, according to the state Department of Transportation.
It was unclear when the freeway would reopen.
I-5 closed Thursday night after slides left rocks, trees and debris blocking all lanes, between Lake Padden and Lake Samish. An estimated 2,000 to 3,000 cubic yards of debris slid down the slope to the freeway. An Olympic-sized swimming pool is typically just over 3,000 cubic yards.
At least one of the rocks was larger than a bus.
The Department of Transportation signed an emergency contract with Interwest Construction and expected emergency work to start Saturday. The company planned to start hauling away trees and debris Sunday.
Crews will work seven days a week, the agency said.
An update on the repair plan and timeline should be ready by Wednesday. An engineering report is expected early next week. An initial geotechnical report had found concern for “more potential movement” in the debris pile and on the slope, according to the Department of Transportation.
Sources: Esri, WSDOT (Mark Nowlin / The Seattle Times)
Traffic on northbound I-5 was being diverted at Exit 246, at the north end of Lake Samish. The agency recommended drivers detour to Highway 9 or Highway 11, also known as Chuckanut Drive, a route also prone to slides.
Highway 11 is not suitable for freight traffic, the agency said.
The agency warned against going to the I-5 slide or flying drones over it. The slope remains unstable and crews will use heavy machinery there once work starts.
“We understand this is frustrating,” the Department of Transportation said on X. “We are focusing on doing this precise, methodical work as safely and quickly as we can.”
Denisa R. Superville: 206-464-8216 or dsuperville@seattletimes.com. Denisa R. Superville is an Education Lab reporter at The Seattle Times, where she writes about school districts as they emerge from the pandemic years.
When disaster hits in Washington state, it pays to be prepared.“After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days,” the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said.That means having enough food, water and other supplies to last you and your family for several days, the federal agency said.What should be in your emergency or disaster survival kit?Here’s what to know:What should go into my emergency kit?Although “government agencies will respond to communi...
When disaster hits in Washington state, it pays to be prepared.
“After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days,” the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said.
That means having enough food, water and other supplies to last you and your family for several days, the federal agency said.
What should be in your emergency or disaster survival kit?
Here’s what to know:
Although “government agencies will respond to community disasters,” you may be on your own for a while after disaster strikes, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
“You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least two weeks” — or even months in some cases, the state agency said.
According to Puget Sound Energy, the state Health Department and the Department of Homeland Security, these are some items you should consider adding to your emergency kit:
Depending on the kind of emergency is most common in your area, the American Red Cross and the Homeland Security Department recommends considering adding these items:
Once you’ve made your emergency kit, where should it go?
The Department of Homeland Security recommends picking a couple of different spots.
“Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars,” the federal agency said.
The state Health Department recommends storing “a kit at home, at work and at each child’s school or daycare facility.”
It’s tulip season in Skagit County — and flower fans are flocking to Mount Vernon in hopes of getting a glimpse at the beautiful blooms.“This year’s Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is shaping up to be another beautiful and unique season,” Nicole Roozen, Skagit Valley Tulip Festival executive director, wrote in an email to The Bellingham Herald. “Each garden offers its own experience, with millions of tulips blooming across the valley in a wide range of colors — from classic reds and yellows to so...
It’s tulip season in Skagit County — and flower fans are flocking to Mount Vernon in hopes of getting a glimpse at the beautiful blooms.
“This year’s Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is shaping up to be another beautiful and unique season,” Nicole Roozen, Skagit Valley Tulip Festival executive director, wrote in an email to The Bellingham Herald. “Each garden offers its own experience, with millions of tulips blooming across the valley in a wide range of colors — from classic reds and yellows to soft pastels and striking specialty varieties.”
Roozen said visitors can explore locations including Roozengaarde, Tulip Town, Garden Rosalyn and the Tulip Valley Farm “each with its own design and atmosphere.”
Here’s what you need to know before heading out:
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival takes place in April and May in the Mount Vernon area in Western Washington.
Visitors can “discover one-of-a-kind pieces that capture the beauty of Skagit Valley’s most beloved bloom” at the Tulip Festival Art Exhibit, organizers said.
The art exhibit runs Friday, April 3, and Saturday, April 4, at the Depot Arts Center in Anacortes.
The Tulip Festival Parade travels along Front Street in downtown La Conner on Saturday, April 11.
Nearly 200 artisan vendors gather at South First Street in downtown Mount Vernon for the Tulip Festival Street Fair, which also features food trucks, live music and children’s activities. The event runs Friday, April 17, through Sunday, April 19.
However, the main attraction is the local farms where visitors can see, smell snap photos and pick bouquets of gorgeous flowers.
Tickets to visit participating farms can be purchased the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival website.
Where: 15867 Beaver Marsh Road in Mount Vernon
When: Extended hours start Saturday, March 21
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
What’s there: The public face of the Washington Bulb Company, RoozenGaarde features an 8-acre display garden with more than 1 million bulbs and more than 50 acres of tulips and daffodils, its website says, delivering “a premium experience for flower lovers worldwide.” Visitors can stop by the gift shop, purchase handpicked bouquets and enjoy offerings from on-site food vendors.
How much: $19 to $23; walk-up tickets cost an extra $2. Children under 2 are free.
Can I bring my pet: No
Contact: 360-424-8531
Where: 15245 Bradshaw Road in Mount Vernon
When: Saturday, March 21, to Thursday, April 30
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; Night Bloom is 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday in April.
What’s there: Visitors can check out an interactive “half-acre showcase of every tulip variety” grown at this u-pick farm before heading into the fields, Tulip Valley Farms said on its website. Flower fans can explore the farm after sunset during Night Bloom events featuring black lights, lasers, live music and a Glow in the Dark Garden. Other attractions include miniature Highland cows and in-person “tulip talks.”
How much: $16 to $18, $10 to $12 children ages 3 to 15
Can I bring my pet? For $5, you can bring well-behaved dogs on leashes into the flower fields.
Contact:
Where: 16648 Jungquist Road in Mount Vernon
When: Friday, March 20, to Thursday, April 30
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
What’s there: Garden Rosalyn features seven acres of hand-planted tulips plus a tranquil pond that’s home to ducks and geese. With the Cascade Mountains framing views, you’ll find “photo-ready focal points throughout the grounds,” the farm website reads.
How much: $17 to $18
Can I bring my pet? Yes, for no additional fee
Contact: 360-202-7982
Where: 15002 Bradshaw Road in Mount Vernon
When: Saturday, March 28, through Thursday, April 30
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday
What’s there: You can explore this 30-acre farm on foot or climb aboard a vintage trolley for a “scenic, front-row view of the blooms,” Tulip Town said on its website. In addition to more than six acres of flowers, Tulip Town has a café and Beer & Wine Garden offering Dutch pastries, snacks, coffee, specialty drinks and local beer and wine.
How much: $12.20 to $20.48
Can I bring my pet? Yes, for free
Contact:
All farms participating in the festival offer free parking.
“Parking areas are clearly designated near the gardens and fields to help make visiting as smooth as possible,” Roozen said.
Hot weather, cold conditions, heavy rains and high winds can affect when tulips flower, Skagit Valley Tulip Festival organizers said, with blooms appearing as early as March and as late as May.
“Mid-April tends to be the safest bet to experience vibrant blooms,” organizers said.
Your experience may vary depending on which day you visit.
“Weekdays are often quieter, while weekends offer a more festive atmosphere,” organizers said.
“We always encourage guests to check bloom updates and parking information on tulipfestival.org before they arrive,” Roozen told The Herald.
A new flight is about to land at Bellingham International Airport.Travelers will soon be able to fly nonstop from Bellingham to Portland, Oregon.The new flight means added convenience for travelers headed to and from the popular Pacific Northwest city, offering a quick turnaround and opportune departure times, Matt Rodriguez, the Bellingham airport’s director of aviation, told The Bellingham Herald in December.It’s “the beginning of our route expansion to get more direct flights out of Bellingham,&rdquo...
A new flight is about to land at Bellingham International Airport.
Travelers will soon be able to fly nonstop from Bellingham to Portland, Oregon.
The new flight means added convenience for travelers headed to and from the popular Pacific Northwest city, offering a quick turnaround and opportune departure times, Matt Rodriguez, the Bellingham airport’s director of aviation, told The Bellingham Herald in December.
It’s “the beginning of our route expansion to get more direct flights out of Bellingham,” Rodriguez said at the time.
“Portland International Airport is a major regional gateway and consistently ranks as one of the best airports in the nation for its ease of navigation, amenities and overall experience,” Rodriquez told The Herald on Wednesday March 11. “We are thrilled to now be able to offer easy daily flights from Bellingham to two major regional hubs in Portland and Seattle.”
Here’s what to know:
Bellingham International Airport, 4255 Mitchell Way in Bellingham, currently offers direct flights to a dozen destinations, including Seattle, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix and the San Juan Islands.
Three airlines serve the Whatcom County airport: Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air and San Juan Airlines.
Alaska Airlines will begin offering daily, direct flights to and from Portland beginning on Thursday, March 19.
“This is huge news for travelers interested in Portland or connecting flights to Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Diego, Arizona and much more,” the Bellingham airport said in a Dec. 19 Facebook post. “We’re thrilled to offer more access and more routes through our local and convenient airport.”
The nonstop flights, which will be available all year long, will depart daily from Bellingham at 8 a.m., according to Alaska Airlines website.
Returning flights returning arrive at the Bellingham airport as early at 3 p.m. and as late as 10:45 p.m.
Passengers will spend about an hour in the air, according to Alaska Airlines.
In contrast, it now takes more than three hours to fly Bellingham to Portland via Alaska Airlines with a layover at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, according to the airline’s website.
“Great news: Traveling to Bellingham from the PDX area is about to get a whole lot faster!” Visit Bellingham Whatcom County said on its website.
One-way flights from Bellingham to Portland start at $59, according to the Alaska Airlines website.
Ticket prices vary depending on when you want to fly, with the cost of a one-way flight in late March soaring to $249.
You can book a flight online via alaskaair.com.
If you’re hoping to get to Portland for cheap, you may want to wait a little longer.
According to the Alaska Airlines website, the most affordable times to buy plane tickets to and from Portland were late April and early May.
As of Thursday, March 12, Alaska Airlines was accepting reservations through the end of the year.
Flooding is now possible along the Nooksack River in Whatcom County as a Pineapple Express brings heavy rain to both the mountains and the lowlands over several days in Western Washington.Current forecasts have caught the attention of Whatcom County officials, who told The Bellingham Herald that they are watching the Nooksack River and have action plans in place.Earlier forecasts indicated that the warm atmospheric river’s most intense rain would fall in southern British Columbia, but Wednesday estimates from the Northwes...
Flooding is now possible along the Nooksack River in Whatcom County as a Pineapple Express brings heavy rain to both the mountains and the lowlands over several days in Western Washington.
Current forecasts have caught the attention of Whatcom County officials, who told The Bellingham Herald that they are watching the Nooksack River and have action plans in place.
Earlier forecasts indicated that the warm atmospheric river’s most intense rain would fall in southern British Columbia, but Wednesday estimates from the Northwest River Forecast Center show the Nooksack River rising to just above flood stage on Friday and Saturday in Ferndale. Wednesday estimates for Deming show the river cresting at “action stage” upstream.
Flooding is expected on the Skagit River in Mount Vernon and Concrete as melting snow from the North Cascades inundates that river.
Elsewhere, excessive runoff may result in urban and small-stream flooding and pooling of water in low-lying locations, meteorologist Dana Felton said.
“Just a steady stream of moisture moving into the area the next three days,” Felton said in the online forecast discussion. “In addition to the rain it will be breezy at times over the northwest interior with the frontal boundary stalled just to the north.”
Since the storm is coming from the South Pacific, its warm air will increase snow levels to about 7,000-8,000 feet, and melting snow will cause rivers to rise quickly.
Consequently, the National Weather in Seattle issued flood watches for several counties, including Whatcom and Skagit.
Forecasts have been fluctuating, as the storm’s track becomes more certain. Last week, flooding concerns were minimal, but they have been increasing daily.
Rain was falling early Tuesday at Mt. Baker Ski Area with temperatures in the mid- to upper 30s. The ski area is closed through Thursday.
At the Whatcom County Public Works Department, spokeswoman Mandy Feutz said its River & Flood Division is tracking river levels along with the weather forecast.
“We’re prepared to respond if conditions change. We already have crews in the field placing signs in areas where water is impacting roadways, and they’re ready to take additional action, including road closures, if needed to keep the public safe,” Feutz said in an email. “We’re also coordinating with our partner agencies as conditions develop. We’ll continue to adjust our response based on what we’re seeing and will share updates if impacts become more significant. Residents can stay informed by checking current river conditions and reviewing flood preparedness resources on the county’s website.
Officials with the Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management are taking similar steps, spokeswoman Amy Cloud said.
“We’ve been tracking hydrologic and weather forecasts constantly, monitoring for rain impacts and road closures, checking river gauge levels, and securing “worst case” scenarios for the Nooksack River,” Cloud told The Herald in an email. “Our deputy director is in contact with our law enforcement, fire, public works and Emergency Management Council partners to share the information we’ve gathered and to receive field reports, questions or concerns.”