City leaders told the Auburn City Council on Dec. 15 that recent flooding prompted a Level 3 evacuation in North Auburn, the activation of two shelters and coordinated requests to state and federal officials to reduce downstream flows from the Howard Hanson Dam.

Mayor Nancy Backus said two shelters were opened — the Community and Events Center and a Ray of Hope location at the Auburn Resource Center — and that intake the first night included about 45 people, roughly half of them children. She credited city staff, the Red Cross, volunteers and local organizations for shelter operations and supply support.

Backus said she and other leaders spoke with federal and state officials about release rates at Howard Hanson Dam. "These numbers are astronomical, but 12,000 cubic feet per second, they are releasing 10,000 cubic feet per second," Backus said, describing a reduction in releases after conversations with senators' offices and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Council members thanked public works, communications and emergency staff for round‑the‑clock work. Council member Tracy Taylor urged residents to use official city channels for accurate, up‑to‑date information (City of Auburn — Government on Facebook and auburnwad.gov/flood).

Officials said the Army Corps’ releases were adjusted to reduce downstream stress while acknowledging the Corps must balance storage and dam safety. Mayor Backus emphasized the importance of heeding road closures and evacuation instructions.

The council did not take new legislative action on flood response during the meeting; staff and the Emergency Operations Center remained engaged in ongoing response and recovery activities.