(STORY IMAGE:KHQ.COM)
FERRY COUNTY, Wash. -Authorities in Ferry County reported the water levels lowered Saturday, but are warning residents that the Kettle River could possibly rise again by as early as Tuesday.
Ferry County Search and Rescue crews went door to door to residents along the river area in Barstow, Orient, Highway 395 N., Kettle River Road, Customs, and Danville to check on their situation, needs and well-being. Crews also passed out flyers warning of another potential Kettle River rise to potentially 21.7 feet by as early as Tuesday.
The Ferry County Sheriff's Office says the river is projected to stay high for several days, and are warning people who choose to stay in their homes to have supplies stocked for at least two weeks, and medical supplies and medical assistance taken care of. A Red Cross Center has been set up at Ferry County Fair Grounds for those choosing to evacuate in the coming days.
Highway 21 from Little Goosmus to Danville is still closed. Department of Transportation officials have not assessed the area for travel and will do so on Monday.
Highway 395 N at roughly mile marker 250 is still being reinforced by DOT crews to allow traffic to continue. Ferry County Road department crews are assessing county roads and bridges around the clock. The sheriff's office reminds motorists in the area not to move 'road closed" signs.
The sheriff's office also reminded residents in the Curlew area to be careful with septic use as drinking water in the above areas could be dangerous. NE Tri-County Health will be contacting all county water districts to test for contamination. As soon as flood levels go down they will also work to get private wells tested. The sheriff's office has a limited supply of bottled water so they are asking residents in the area to boil water before drinking it.
Authorities say that if you live in the area and need to evacuate, contact dispatch at 509-775-3132.