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Flood Warnings Issue For Hood & Klickitat Rivers

Posted on by mbailey

Due to the heavy rain, the National Weather Service has issued a major flood warning for Hood River at Tucker Bridge for a height of 16’ overnight tonight into tomorrow morning. Be cautious around waterways and do not drive into flooded roads. The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office says residents close to the Hood River should be prepared to evacuate.  The County says the Hood River is expected to reach 16.24 feet.  The National Weather Service says above the 16 foot level, expect significant riverbank erosion and flooding of low-lying roads and property adjacent to the river and tributary creeks. Portions of the Hood River Railroad may be threatened by bank erosion and undercutting due to the turbulent and fast-flowing water. Irrigation canals and headworks adjacent to the river and tributaries may be inundated with floodwater and debris.  Residents and business owners in low lying areas are asked to be aware that creeks, streams, and rivers are anticipated to rise. Hood River County is asking motorists to anticipate winter driving conditions and only travel when necessary. Expect significant travel delays and visit Trip Check for current travel advisories. Do not drive through flooded areas.

For Klickitat County, the Klickitat River near Pitt is currently under a Flood Watch, with minor flood stage expected to be reached by Friday morning, before receding on Saturday.  The National Weather Service says at 9 feet, the Klickitat River begins flooding over Highway 142 in several places.  Access to some residential areas along the Klickitat River could be cut off.  The river was at 6.4 feet this morning.

Other rivers and streams across the east foothills of the Cascades are expected to see rises through Friday into Saturday, before trending downward by early next week.  Low-lying areas along rivers and streams along the east slopes of the Cascades may experience, or continue to experience, flooding as a result of heavy mountain precipitation today.

The Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management is encouraging residents to be aware of the conditions in your area, and to monitor local media and the National Weather Service for forecasts and warnings.  Do not attempt to drive through flood water over roadways. It may be deeper and moving faster than you think. The roadway may have washed away. If flood waters are threatening your home in Klickitat County, you should call Klickitat County Emergency Management’s 24-hour Dispatch phone line at 509-773-4545.

Skamania County has seen significant tree fall and rockslides in the past few days, causing power and phone outages across the county. Skamania County PUD has been working to reinstate power as quickly as possible.

Additionally, Skamania County residents have reported significant damage to their homes due to falling trees.

Multiple individuals have called the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office reporting entrapment on D.N.R. and Forest Service roadways due to downed trees and lack of chainsaws or other tree-removal equipment.

Skamania County is working to document and potentially procure state assistance during this weather event. If you have experienced storm damage to your home or business, or have emergency response costs or damages as a result of storm conditions, please contact Emergency Manager B. Ayers at ayers@co.skamania.wa.us or 509-427-3893. Be sure to document with photos.

 

Hood River County School District dismissed students early today, and all after-school programs and activities, sports practices, and evening events in the district are canceled.

 

The Odell Sanitary District says due to heavy water flows, the district is currently discharging raw sewage into Odell Creek.

 

City Of White Salmon Finishes Collective Bargaining, Ready To Adopt Budget

Posted on by mbailey

The White Salmon City Council will be voting to adopt its 2026 budget on Wednesday.  The budget vote was delayed two weeks to allow collective bargaining with both municipal employees and police officers to get wrapped up.  Mayor Marla Keethler says they finished it last week.  Keethler says the cost of living adjustment for 2026 ended up at 4%.  She said the agreement will not substantially change the 2026 budget, adding this year they have a much clearer picture of its fiscal standing.  The meeting on Wednesday begins at 6 p.m. in the White Salmon Fire Hall.

Hood River Schools To Ask Legislature To Keep Option Equalization

Posted on by mbailey

The Hood River County School District will be asking Oregon legislators to maintain the local option equalization grant it receives.  The Hood River district is one of four in the state to receive the grant, which school districts receive when its voters pass a local option levy, as has occurred in Hood River County for the last 20 years.  But the Oregon Department of Education has proposed eliminating the grants to meet a requested 2 1/2% to 5% budget cut.  District Superintendent Bill Newton says what the grant provides is important, and also was a promise to district voters as part of supporting the local option levy.  Beaverton, Philomath, and Sweet Home are the other school districts to receive the grant.  The Oregon Legislature convenes in February.

Klickitat PUD Board Approves Rate Increase

Posted on by mbailey

Klickitat Public Utility District’s board approved a 3% electric rate increase as part of adopting its 2026 budget.  The new rates take effect on January 1 and apply across all retail rate classes.  The increase will add an average of $4.46 per month to a residential customer’s bill.  The PUD says its power costs continue to rise due primarily to higher Bonneville Power Administration rates and increased reliance on higher-cost Tier 2 power as customer demand exceeds the PUD’s BPA preference allocation.  BPA increased rates by approximately 4.5% in October 2025.  Additional cost pressures include higher transportation, materials, insurance, and construction expenses.  General operating cost increases account for roughly half of the rate adjustment and will increase KPUD’s annual revenue requirement by approximately $1 million.

TD Public Works Asks Residents To Be Ready For Snow

Posted on by mbailey

The City of The Dalles Public Works says it is making sure equipment is in good repair to prepare for winter storm events, but notes resources will be stretched to capacity once the snows begin, and they will need the public’s help.  Officials say people should make sure they have a snow shovel or snow blower, cooking spray for the snow shovel, so snow won’t stick to the blade, a stiff broom to sweep snow off of porches and decks, waterproof gloves with a good grip; waterproof boots with good traction, and pet-friendly, child-safe, salt-free deicer that won’t harm cement surfaces.   First priority should be to shovel or sand sidewalks adjacent to their homes or businesses within the first two hours of daylight each day.  Shoveled snow should be piled on private property, not in the street, except in the downtown area.  Then help a neighbor clear the sidewalk in front of their home.

Cherry Fest Plans Expected Later In The Week

Posted on by mbailey

The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce plans by the end of the week to release its vision for how the Northwest Cherry Festival will operate and where it will be located while construction takes place o First Street.  Chamber CEO Lisa Farquharson says a team has spent the last three months has been analyzing different locations.  Farquharson says while the Cherry Fest has grown over the last few years, she says no matter what they come up with, it will not be as large as it has been in the last few years.  She notes that means they probably won’t be able to bring in as much money from the outside as they have been able to in recent years.

Port of Hood River Looks At Airfield Terminal

Posted on by mbailey

The Port of Hood River Commission will discuss moving toward a public terminal at the Ken Jernstedt Airfield during its meeting on Tuesday.  Port Executive Director Kevin Greenwood says a terminal would act as an interface with the public.   It would also be set up for use by emergency officials during situations such as a nearby wildfire, and as a resilience center with solar panels to be installed on the building to provide its own power.  Greenwood says there would be leasable space within the building to bring in revenue and provide space for businesses involved in aviation.  Cost of the building is currently projected at $9 million, with the Port seeking grants to pay most of the cost.  Tuesday’s meeting begins at 5 p.m. at the Port of Hood River’s Marina Building conference room.

Search For Missing Climber Suspended

Posted on by mbailey

The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office has suspended recovery operations for a 26-year-old climber from Bend who was last seen attempting to summit Mt. Hood.  The Sheriff’s Office was notified by a climbing partner on Saturday morning that 26-year-old Matthew Aldridge of Bend was overdue after he continued to attempt to reach the summit of Mt. Hood via the Newton Clark Headwall with two others who turned back due to conditions on the mountain.  The Sheriff’s Office initiated an air and ground search that was narrowed to an area near Pea Gravel Ridge above 8400 feet in elevation after phone data suggested a fall.  The first attempt to reach the area with ground searchers on Saturday was unsuccessful due to darkness and unsafe conditions.  On Sunday searchers from the Hood River Crag Rats and Portland Mountain Rescue made it to the likely location previously identified but were unsuccessful in locating any sign of Aldridge.  Due to deteriorating weather and treacherous conditions, the Sheriff’s Office decided at midday Sunday to withdraw searchers and suspend the ground search.  Additional efforts may be attempted as conditions allow, but the search has shifted to a recovery mission.

Wasco County MRC Blanket/Coat Drive Begins

Posted on by mbailey

The Wasco County Medical Reserve Corps has launched its annual blanket/coat drive, with four convenient drop-off locations, and will continue collecting items through February.  The Corps will be taking donations of blankets, adult-sized coats, socks, boots, tarps, and sleeping bags to benefit St. Vincent de Paul and other local agencies.  All items must be new, or gently used, washed and in good condition. The four drop-off locations in The Dalles are the North Central Public Health District office on 419 E. 7th St., La Michoacana on 1210 Kelly Ave., Grocery Outlet at 1300 W. 6th St., and Farmstand on 315 Federal St.  If you have any questions, call the North Central Public Health District at (541) 506-2600.

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