Record Rainfall in the Snoqualmie Valley: How Poor Drainage Damages Homes in Fall City and Issaquah

What You Really Need to Watch for When the Rain Gets Serious

Over the past week, Fall City and the surrounding areas have experienced unusually heavy rainfall, resulting in record-breaking flooding throughout the Snoqualmie Valley and Issaquah region. Events like these serve as an important reminder of how vulnerable homes can be to water intrusion, drainage failures, and long-term moisture-related damage.

Let’s talk about drainage.

As a homeowner, have you noticed any of the following around your property?

• Water channels forming in your gravel driveway or yard
• New areas of standing water after heavy rain
• Moisture or water present in your crawlspace (have you checked recently?)
• Musty odors or signs of mold in your basement

These are often indicators of drainage issues related to gutter downspouts, foundation footing drains, or French drain systems that are no longer functioning properly.

What is a French drain?

 A French drain is a trench system that includes a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel and filter fabric. Its purpose is to collect excess surface and groundwater and redirect it away from problem areas such as foundations, crawlspaces, or retaining walls. Using gravity, the system moves water toward a safe discharge point—such as a ditch or dry well—helping prevent water buildup, flooding, and structural damage.

Even homes that have performed well for decades can develop drainage failures over time. Common causes include debris buildup, sediment accumulation, changes in surrounding development that alter water runoff patterns, or redirected surface water.

If you’re seeing signs of drainage issues, it’s important not to delay addressing them. Left unresolved, water problems can lead to costly repairs and long-term damage to your home’s structure and indoor air quality.

The photo above shows a properly functioning French drain system that redirects water safely into an existing ditch. Before installation, runoff flowed directly toward the home and regularly flooded the crawlspace. More than five years later, the crawlspace remains completely dry—even during heavy rain events.

First Choice Home Exteriors can help identify, address, and mitigate drainage issues before they become major problems. If you have concerns, give us a call, and we’ll take a closer look. And after the next heavy rain or snowmelt—don’t forget to check your crawlspace!

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