Vancouver, Wash. – A section of Northeast Washougal River Road will remained closed through the weekend after a landslide sent rocks and debris tumbling onto the road near Northeast Paradise Road.

Public Works crews cleared debris from the road Friday morning and marked the area with orange cones. However, a private geotechnical consultant working for the county believes more debris could fall onto the road, especially with the forecast calling for a wet, windy weekend.

The county is particularly concerned about a large Douglas fir that might have been undermined and could fall onto power lines, which cross Northeast Washougal River Road near the slide. A rocky outcrop near the tree’s base was seen moving as the Douglas fir swayed in the wind. Small rocks also were seen falling from the hillside.

All of these factors contributed to the county’s decision to keep the road closed through the weekend, when several inches of rain and brisk winds are forecast.

Northeast Washougal River Road is closed about 100 yards east and west of the slide. Temporary signs will alert drivers before they get to the closure.

Drivers should use alternate routes to bypass the closure. A map showing one route has been posted on the county’s website, www.clark.wa.gov/public-works.

“We understand this is an inconvenience,” said Scott Wilson, Public Works Road Maintenance and Safety Division manager. “However, we always want to err on the side of caution for public safety.”

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CONTACT
Jeff Mize
Public information officer
Public Works
360.397.6118 ext. 4398
jeff.mize@clark.wa.gov