Corps making repairs to levy; flooding eases in Pacific City Park

By Mark Klaas • January 14, 2009 2:42 pm
Patty Wingate loads a pickup truck with wet debris Monday from the Pacific home of Chad Weichinger
Patty Wingate loads a pickup truck with wet debris Monday from the Pacific home of Chad Weichinger

Army Corps of Engineers steadily are making improvements to the levy along the White River in flood-damaged Pacific.

According to Mayor Richard Hildreth, the Corps began to haul in rock to raise the levy along the swollen river late Tuesday night.

“As of 7 o’clock this morning, the water that even last night was flowing across the City Park has now been abated,” Hildreth reported in an e-mail Wednesday. “It is hoped that by tonight we will have all roads open.”

Butte and 3rd avenues remained under water since floodwaters seeped into the city last Thursday evening and Friday morning. Widespread flooding ensued, catching residents and city officials off guard.

The Corps of Engineers accepted blame for releasing too much water from a full Mud Mountain Dam, resulting in unexpected “nuisance flooding” along the White River.

Pacific City Park will remain closed for the time being, allowing crews to remove debris and estimate damages.

“We are asking citizens to stay out of the area until those assessments can be made and hazards abated,” Hildreth said. “We are assembling photos taken over the past few days of the levy and the park itself that will be available to citizens upon request.”

There was at least one reported looting incident in the area. Police are emphasizing patrols in the flooded sections of the city.

REPORT DAMAGES

Local jurisdictions urge flood victims to report damages. Homeowners, renters, farmers, business owners – insured or uninsured – are encouraged to report damages. For local emergency management contact information, visit the Emergency Management Division at: www.emd.wa.gov or dial 211.

In King County, disposal boxes are located in Pacific. Disposal fees are waived.

Call 1-800-523-5044 to report flood damage, including damage to possessions. The county will take the information to determine where to focus clean-up operations.