Flash Flood — Klamath, Oregon

2006-06-07 to 2006-06-08 · near South Central Portion, Klamath, Oregon

Event narrative

See below.

Wider weather episode

A dike on Upper Klamath Lake failed on the afternoon of 06/07/06. It inundated some Caledonia Marsh agricultural fields, State Highway 140, and 3 holes on the Running Y Golf Resort. The NWS was not notified of this event through official channels, the former MIC called and passed along the information. Once the office was notified and the event verified, a Flash Flood Warning was issued for South Central Klamath County at 07/2147 PDT, effective until 08/0345 PDT. It was extended until 08/1000 PDT at 08/0415 PDT. It was cancelled at 08/0858 PDT. A second dike was threatening to fail, so a Flash Flood Watch was issued at 08/0851 PDT. It was cancelled at 08/1359 PDT when it was determined that no structures were in the threatening area. No permanent structures were affected and there were no deaths or injuries, but several agricultural structures and equipment were inundated, and Highway 140 was partially undermined, forcing its closure. A second dike showed signs of weakening, but that dike was reinforced and held. Had it failed, more agricultural land would have flooded. Highway 140 was opened to 1 lane of travel after the waters subsided; it will take a number of months to effect repairs.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5521083. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.