The big thaw is under way, which means the threat of some flooding on rivers, mainly in southwest Washington, and on urban creeks.

The Cedar and Green rivers are controlled by dams; Friday the Cedar in Renton was running at well below flood stage.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for several counties in Western Washington, including King County for Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon.

The snow level in the Cascades will remain at about 5,500 feet through Saturday afternoon, about 2,000 feet higher than Snoqualmie Pass, according to the weather service. The snow level will drop to about 2,500 feet late Saturday.

Snow is no longer in the forecast for Renton and elsewhere in the lowlands Friday, the high is forecast for 42 degrees, with a 100 percent chance of rain today and tonight.

Showers are likely Saturday, mainly in the morning, with a high of near 46. It will be windy, with a southwest wind between 21 and 30 mph, with gusts to 41 mph.

That showery and windy pattern will continue through the weekend.