Longtime Camas, Jeff Peebles, got a closer look at the extensive damage the heavy rain and floods have inflicted on Forest Home Road, in the heart of Camas. He captures the erosion to the foundation of part of the road, and why the road is closed indefinitely. Thanks, Mr. Peebles, for your intriguing video report.
He said the heavy pounding of rain has eroded a sub-set of the road, deeming it unsafe for car traffic.
“I can’t believe what’s happened because of all the rain we’ve been having,” said Peebles. “It was cool to capture what’s going on.”
Historical Rainfall and Floods
The area has been walloped for weeks with very heavy rain. In December, the area broke all records for most inches of rainfall, topping the 7-inch mark that was set in 1996, when the Columbia River overflowed, causing extensive damage to homes and structures along its shores.
There was also severe damage to other roads that are closer to Lacamas Lake, which crested to near flood stage during the torrential rain fall.
Local government agencies created flood zone alerts so citizens could know what areas to avoid.
“The goal is to save lives and keep people out of harm’s way,” said Washington State Representative, Liz Pike.