Because of potential problems at the Howard Hansen Dam in the Cascade foothills east of Seattle, citizens and businesses in the Green River Valley face a real possibility of flooding this winter. The Army Corps of Engineers, the agency responsible for operation of the dam, believes that heavy rains this winter could force the dam operators to release water at a rate that may cause flooding in the Green River Valley, which is where our law office is located.

We are planning for this contingency and wanted to let you know what we are doing. First, all of our computer-stored data is routinely backed up to a tape drive and moved offsite. Much, but not all, of our documentation has been digitized and backed up in this way. The remaining documentation that is stored in hard copy will be moved to our second floor or high enough to avoid inundation. Second, we are in the final stages of securing an alternative site to work from in the event of flooding.

If and when the flooding occurs, we will relocate our server and redirect our telephone lines to the alternate site and have it up and running within a day. Our attorneys and staff will work using cell phones and laptop computers. While there may be an initial lag while we move out of our office and relocate, we anticipate that you will experience no significant delay in our responsiveness.

Flooding could also impact the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center (RJC) in Kent, the Aukeen courthouse in Kent, and other municipal courts in the Valley, including those in Kent, Auburn, Tukwila, Burien, and SeaTac. So while our firm will be operational, if we are handling a matter for you in one of the affected courts, you can expect that your hearing(s) or trial may be delayed. The RJC, for example, has contingency plans in place under two scenarios – a temporary shutdown and a longer term shut down. Each of these calls for trials and hearings to be conducted at other locations throughout the County on a priority basis. We will have to be flexible in dealing with relocations and delays. We do not anticipate that flooding would delay matters heard in other counties or in Federal court.

We hope that no flooding occurs and that our planning is all for naught. If you have any questions or concerns about these issues, please contact your attorney or our managing partner, Chad Horner.