By Rod Hill on 2011-01-16
Anyone driving prior to sunrise Sunday should use caution and look for ponding of water over roadways. Johnson Creek is expected to crest Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. just a foot shy of what is considered a major flood. Home owners should watch the rising water carefully.
I am also watching the Sandy, Hood River and Clackamas. The large rivers flowing out of the Cascades will be at high risk due to heavy rain and snow melt. Rising snow levels early Sunday could peak near 9,000 feet! Forecast crest along the Clackamas are projected at 4 feet above flood stage. Hood River and the Sandy will be close to reaching bank full. All three rivers should be watched closely through the day Sunday.
Coast Range rivers are not expected to be much of a concern. Snow in the Coast Range is mostly melted and not playing a role in this event.
It is 11:00 p.m. Saturday evening as I write this article, rain rates in the valley have fallen apart. I have reason to believe we have seen the heaviest of the rains - lets hope so. If true, we will likely get through with no big problems!
Heavy Rain Starts Saturday Night