Debris Flow in Skamania County, Washington

Debris Flow May 14, 2023 · Skamania County, Washington

$500K

Damage as recorded

Where the report was made, with tornadoes recorded within 15 miles over the years.

What the National Weather Service wrote

The Spirit Lake Outlet Bridge on State Route 504 near milepost 43 was washed out by rock, mud, ice, and water around 9 pm, blocking access to the Johnston Ridge Observatory. Twelve people and one dog were airlifted from one side of the slide to the other as there are no alternate routes. The slide caused power outages in the area.

The wider storm

Rapid snowmelt during a period of unseasonably warm temperatures resulted in a debris flow that washed out a bridge on Spirit Lake Memorial Highway (State Route 504.) Twelve people visiting Johnson Ridge Observatory were trapped by the blockage and were evacuated by air rescue.

Began near Spirit Lake (46.2857, -122.1921).

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event 1103768. Narratives are written by the National Weather Service forecast office that issued the report.

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