Edmonds, Snohomish County
Edmonds receives 46 inches of rain annually — more than Seattle or Bellevue — and sits on glacial till with clay-rich layers that drain slowly and cause surface pooling. With deep forested ravines, streams flowing to Puget Sound, and the historic Edmonds Marsh, this coastal city demands drainage solutions that account for both terrain and environmental sensitivity.
50+
Years Serving Edmonds
500+
Projects Completed
5.0
Google Rating
100%
Licensed & Insured
Edmonds receives approximately 46 inches of annual rainfall — significantly more than many neighboring cities — and its predominant glacial till soil is an unsorted mixture of clay, silt, sand, gravel, and boulders that drains slowly. The clay-rich layers within this till create zones where water pools on the surface, saturates shallow root zones, and flows laterally toward ravines, creeks, and ultimately Puget Sound.
The city's terrain amplifies drainage challenges with its mix of hills, steep slopes, and deep forested ravines. Shell Creek runs through the dramatic ravine at Yost Park, where severe erosion and sedimentation have prompted a city stormwater diversion project. Perrinville Creek has experienced ongoing flooding issues significant enough to require a flow reduction study and installation of flow-diversion structures.
Edmonds' proximity to Puget Sound means all stormwater eventually reaches sensitive marine waters. The city's Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit requires all development to prevent erosion and sediment discharge into receiving waters. The Edmonds Marsh — a rare urban saltwater estuary — has faced historical drainage alterations that the city is now working to restore, demonstrating how seriously the community takes water management.
The December 2025 atmospheric river events brought historic rainfall to Edmonds, overwhelming drainage systems and demonstrating the consequences of inadequate private property drainage. For homeowners, the combination of high rainfall, impermeable till, steep terrain, and environmental regulations makes professional drainage design not just practical but essential.
Edmonds receives significantly more rain than most neighboring cities, creating intense drainage demands on its slow-draining glacial till.
Shell Creek, Perrinville Creek, and other waterways cut deep ravines through the city, creating erosion risk for adjacent properties.
All stormwater flows to sensitive marine waters, requiring environmentally responsible drainage design that prevents erosion and sediment discharge.

Professional French drain systems designed for Edmonds's specific soil and terrain conditions.
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Custom catch basins, surface drains, and grading solutions for Edmonds yards with standing water.
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Slope stabilization, drainage channels, and runoff management for Edmonds's hillside properties.
Learn MoreAll prices include site preparation, materials, and cleanup. Free, no-obligation estimates with all the details — no surprises.
French Drain
$3,500–$8,000
Per system, clay-rich till
Catch Basin System
$2,500–$5,500
Surface water collection & routing
Full Yard Drainage
$6,000–$14,000
Complete system design & install
Ravine Erosion Control
$5,000–$15,000
Slope stabilization near ravines
Prices are based on site conditions, linear footage, and system design. Get a free estimate for exact pricing.
"Our property borders the Shell Creek ravine and the slope was eroding toward our foundation. New Life Drainage stabilized the edge and installed proper drainage. The ravine side looks better than ever."
Patricia & John S.
Edmonds, WA
Moderate flooding risk in the low-lying downtown bowl. Stormwater concentrates from surrounding hills and aging infrastructure struggles during heavy events.
Ongoing Perrinville Creek flooding has prompted city flow-reduction studies. Adjacent properties face creek overflow and high water tables during storms.
Deep forested ravine with severe erosion problems. Properties adjacent to the ravine face slope instability and concentrated runoff from surrounding development.
Properties near Lake Ballinger experience flooding during heavy rain events when the lake level rises and surrounding drainage systems back up.
Elevated neighborhoods on glacial till where clay-rich layers create persistent yard saturation and lateral water flow toward lower properties.
Coastal-adjacent properties with steep slopes toward Puget Sound. Erosion control and proper drainage are critical for slope stability and environmental protection.
Edmonds receives approximately 46 inches of annual rainfall compared to Seattle's 37 inches. This is partly due to its coastal position where moist air from Puget Sound encounters the terrain, and partly due to localized weather patterns that bring heavier precipitation to south Snohomish County. Combined with glacial till that drains slowly, this higher rainfall creates more intense drainage demands.
Residential drainage projects in Edmonds typically range from $3,500 to $14,000 depending on the system type, slope conditions, and proximity to ravines or creeks. Properties near Shell Creek or Perrinville Creek may require environmentally sensitive design approaches. We provide free on-site estimates with transparent pricing.
Work near streams, wetlands, or their buffers in Edmonds may require additional permits and environmental review. The city's stormwater permit requires all projects to prevent erosion and sediment discharge into receiving waters. Our team is familiar with Edmonds' environmental requirements and designs systems that comply with local regulations while effectively managing your drainage.
Properties adjacent to Edmonds' deep forested ravines (like those at Yost Park and along Shell Creek) face potential slope instability, especially when soils become saturated. The city has documented severe erosion in these areas. If your property borders a ravine or steep slope, a professional drainage assessment can identify risks and recommend protective measures.
Get a free on-site assessment from drainage experts who understand Edmonds' high rainfall, ravine terrain, and environmental drainage requirements.