we have sump pumps in our denny hill condo. they are about 90’ below the surface just below the 8th level of subterranean parking. they run 24/7/365. we just commissioned a study by a forensic engineering company to understand the water and it’s occasional infiltration into the other parking levels. there is a whole world of underwater ponds and rivers in Seattle. i’ll share the report and another similar geotech report when it is finalized. it might make good fodder for a future article.
Thx. Sounds like the water probably comes from the contact between the clay and the sand. If I remember correctly, during excavation in 1904-05 for the RR tunnel under Seattle (from Virginia to Washington Streets) they encountered an underground stream/waterway.
Great article! We so quickly forget that we stand on shifting sands. I guess it is not surprising that when building the rail they didn't get crazy over this Jello area. They knew in time the spots they needed to fix would surface versus fixing it all. Cost effective but a big pain in the ass for us.
The discussion below about underground rivers makes me think of the New Black Diamond tunnel bore in the 1920s. (on Hwy 169 between Renton & Maple Valley) They encountered a large underwater course and their endeavor took longer plus was more expensive due to it. Geesh... this site is now a proposed Asphalt Plant by Lakeside Industries that is in a legal battle with the locals.
How soon we all forget things but mother nature keeps reminding us.
I so enjoy your newsletters. You are a great writer! I took a course from you through OLLI and loved it. Grew up in Everett and have lived in south Seattle area since college, and worked in Seattle for many years. I learn so much from you about our wonderful area. Thank you!
we have sump pumps in our denny hill condo. they are about 90’ below the surface just below the 8th level of subterranean parking. they run 24/7/365. we just commissioned a study by a forensic engineering company to understand the water and it’s occasional infiltration into the other parking levels. there is a whole world of underwater ponds and rivers in Seattle. i’ll share the report and another similar geotech report when it is finalized. it might make good fodder for a future article.
Thx. Sounds like the water probably comes from the contact between the clay and the sand. If I remember correctly, during excavation in 1904-05 for the RR tunnel under Seattle (from Virginia to Washington Streets) they encountered an underground stream/waterway.
Great article! We so quickly forget that we stand on shifting sands. I guess it is not surprising that when building the rail they didn't get crazy over this Jello area. They knew in time the spots they needed to fix would surface versus fixing it all. Cost effective but a big pain in the ass for us.
The discussion below about underground rivers makes me think of the New Black Diamond tunnel bore in the 1920s. (on Hwy 169 between Renton & Maple Valley) They encountered a large underwater course and their endeavor took longer plus was more expensive due to it. Geesh... this site is now a proposed Asphalt Plant by Lakeside Industries that is in a legal battle with the locals.
How soon we all forget things but mother nature keeps reminding us.
Thanx again!!
I hadn't heard that story. It's always something in the natural world!
With rising sea levels dams, dikes, seawalls, and pumps will be the next Seattle infrastructure.
Sad by true.
I so enjoy your newsletters. You are a great writer! I took a course from you through OLLI and loved it. Grew up in Everett and have lived in south Seattle area since college, and worked in Seattle for many years. I learn so much from you about our wonderful area. Thank you!