Debris Flow — Skamania, Washington

2023-05-14 · near Spirit Lake, Skamania, Washington

Event narrative

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.

Wider weather episode

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.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (46.2857, -122.1921)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1103768. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.