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Slides Reported On Area Highways

Posted on by mbailey

Continued heavy rain and wind is causing landslides and vegetation impacts on highways in the region.

The Oregon Department of Transportation says a landslide has pushed onto eastbound Interstate 84 about four miles west of Cascade Locks, closing the right lane.

ODOT is asking motorists to watch out for highway crews working in the area.

Highway 35 is closed by a landslide near milepost 73, about 28 miles south of Hood River and 15 miles north of the junction with Highway 26.

And the Historic Columbia River Highway is closed just west of Vista House due to a landslide.

ODOT says they are getting reports of high water, landslides and downed trees and limbs affecting roads across the region.

Drivers should use extra caution if they need to travel anywhere and visit TripCheck.com before hitting the road to make sure their route is clear, plan extra time for their trip or reschedule their trip if possible. 

Water’s Edge Clinics Prep To Reopen At Temporary Locations

Posted on by mbailey

Adventist Health Columbia Gorge is expecting to reopen many of its clinics impacted by wind damage at the River’s Edge building along the Columbia River in The Dalles by Monday.

          Adventist Health officials say Immediate Care will offer same-day appointments at the MCMC Family Medicine Clinic beginning Monday.

          Internal Medicine will be at the Family Medicine Clinic next week, then move to Columbia Crest on December 29.

          Both Cardiology and Orthopedics will start seeing patients Monday at Nichols Landing in Hood River.

          Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy will have a limited reopening Monday at the main hospital in The Dalles for postoperative and urgent patients.

          Sleep Medicine virtual visits will continue for the next several weeks, and relocation and reopening for ENT is still to be determined.

Clinic phones are coming back online, although due to volume callers may have to call back several times.

The extent of damage and a timeline for repairs to the Water’s Edge building is still being determined.

No Damage From Slide Near Wicks Plant

Posted on by mbailey

There was no damage to the Wicks Water Treatment Facility in The Dalles after a small slide above the plant resulted in one large boulder traveling down the slope, knocking down several trees, and coming to rest near the door of the compressor building at the edge of the sediment basin.

The Dalles Public Works officials say the boulder was slowed before causing significant damage to the basin.

Minor damage occurred to a walkway and railing.

No injuries were reported.

A senior engineer with rock slope stability and rock fall analysis experience from Shannon & Wilson, Inc. was on site Thursday morning to conduct a formal analysis and will be providing recommendations.

As a precautionary measure, buildings located directly below the hillside are being kept unoccupied.

The facility remains fully operational and continues to maintain full water treatment functions.

City officials say in the unlikely event of a temporary disruption to treatment operations, the City has adequate water supply available through operation of its wells.

 

Hood River County Makes Free Sand & Sandbags Available

Posted on by mbailey

Hood River County has free sand and sandbags available at two locations for those trying to prepare for potential flooding.

Filled sandbags are available for pickup at the Hood River County Fairgrounds while supplies last.

And at the Hood River County Public Works yard on 918 18th Street in Hood River there is sand and empty bags provided for you to fill. 

Bring a shovel and gloves.

Once you enter the Public Works yard, please head toward the south side of the lot, following signs towards “County Forestry”

Please use these supplies only if needed.

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.

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