Engineering-Led Response
PACIFIC NORTHWEST · DECEMBER 2025Water from the Skagit River floods farms and homes near Lyman, Washington, Dec. 11. Photographer: Stephen Brashear / AP Photo
15"
Rainfall in 72 hrs
Multi
County scale of impact
Dual
Flood drivers: river + coast
A series of powerful atmospheric rivers brought unprecedented rainfall to the Pacific Northwest, resulting in widespread flooding across multiple counties. The event produced record rainfall totals exceeding 15 inches over 72-hour periods in some areas.
Major river flooding affected urban and rural communities throughout western Washington and Oregon, with coastal flooding exacerbated by storm surge and high tides.
The scale and complexity of these events required a sophisticated claims response capable of accurately assessing damage, determining causation, and delivering fair and timely settlements to policyholders.
Critical Role of Engineering Expertise
Structural Analysis
Definitive analysis of foundations, load-bearing walls, and building systems in varied mountainous topography.
Foundation & Geotechnical
Determined failure mechanisms from soil saturation, erosion, and hydrostatic pressure; distinguished flood damage from pre-existing deficiencies.
Slope Stability & Mudslide Risk
Evaluated slope stability and mudslide potential for hillside properties, assessing immediate safety and future risk.
- 1Accurate damage assessment across diverse flood conditions
- 2Causation determination distinguishing river, coastal, and storm-surge sources
- 3Fair and timely settlements for all affected policyholders
Engineering expertise was central to every stage of the claims response — from initial inspection through final determination. The coordination between field adjusters and engineering partners set a new standard for complex, multi-county flood events.
