Devastation in Southwest Washingotn Washington is in a State of Emergency. I-5 has been closed in both directions near Olympia all week, and will probably remain closed for at least the weekend. The recent heavy rainstorm immediately following the heavy snows has caused serous damage to Centralia, Chehalis, and many small communities along the Chehalis River. This week, I have seen some major storm, flood, and landslide damage as part of my job assessing the landslides that have closed so many roads in Western Washington, in particular those along the coast and the Chehalis River. I have seen many blocks of homes partially covered in deep mud, crops floating down the rivers, and infrastructure ripped apart by the forces of water, wind, and gravity. I have never been in the midst of such a natural disaster.

Flooding takes out an onramp and an overpass. 12-03-2007

More of the never ending battle against gravity. 12-04-2007

The mighty Pe Ell Landslide. 12-06-2007