We have had unusual weather in Oregon this year. It has been colder and wetter than usual and the spells of bad weather have been unpredictable. Late March snows and warm heavy rains set the scene for flooding here on the valley floor, where the ground was already saturated and the reservoirs full to capacity. The need to release water from the earthen dams led to downstream flooding triggered by opening the very flood gates that were supposed to hold the water back. Save for hundred year floods, high water here is not as devastating as it is in other areas of the country. Our creeks and rivers rise, sometimes rapidly, but we don't have to deal with rushing walls of water that can cause loss of life or devastating property damage. These pictures were taken in early April and the waters retreated nearly as quickly as they rose. So, despite the high water, we had a beautiful spring. I thought these photos would be an unusual addition to Outdoor Wednesday, a weekly feature on the blog, A Southern Daydreamer.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
April Showers Bring More than Flowers - Outdoor Wednesday - Spring Flooding
We have had unusual weather in Oregon this year. It has been colder and wetter than usual and the spells of bad weather have been unpredictable. Late March snows and warm heavy rains set the scene for flooding here on the valley floor, where the ground was already saturated and the reservoirs full to capacity. The need to release water from the earthen dams led to downstream flooding triggered by opening the very flood gates that were supposed to hold the water back. Save for hundred year floods, high water here is not as devastating as it is in other areas of the country. Our creeks and rivers rise, sometimes rapidly, but we don't have to deal with rushing walls of water that can cause loss of life or devastating property damage. These pictures were taken in early April and the waters retreated nearly as quickly as they rose. So, despite the high water, we had a beautiful spring. I thought these photos would be an unusual addition to Outdoor Wednesday, a weekly feature on the blog, A Southern Daydreamer.
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15 comments :
Oh my goodness! Wow that is a lot of water! We have had a lot of rain too...severe weather as well..stay safe. We needed he rain here! Thanks for sharing
Miss Bloomers
Your gripping photos remind me of the flooding along the Missouri last summer. Many of my work colleagues were displaced from their homes for several months after the dams upriver began releasing the overabundance of winter snow run-off. Some lost everything. This year, we've been on the dry side, which is a blessing for those who are still trying to get their lives back in order.
I have had many years such as this in Minnesota - but the last 6-7 years have had drought attached to it. Water is an unusual thing - too much or too little? What is perfect?
Wow, that's a lot of rain! Hope you're safe and well Mary!
Oh my goodness!!! I hope this is not your neighborhood...tell me that it isn't! We are to get some flooding in a day or so, but nothing like this...I hope you are alright.
I am so glad that you are safe and sound; but sad to see all the flooding in Oregon area. I will hold you in my thoughts.
Joyce M
Wow, I hope that everyone was ok!
Ciao
Alessandra
Oooops, not nice, you can do without that sort of weather. I hope everyone in the area was OK. Diane
Such odd weather everywhere! Be safe:@)
Wow, that's definitely a lot of water. And yes, it can produce amazing photos as long as you are ok!!
Wow, those pictures are crazy. Flooding can be devastating! Although I am kind of jealous - here in Colorado we need the rain, because we didn't get that much snow this year, and the fire danger has been so high! Funny how things change just from one state to another!
Mary, Yikes! We had our basement flood once when we lived in Chicago...the 100 year flood. It's no fun for sure. It is amazing when you consider the amount of power and destruction water can produce! Stay dry and stay safe... Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
I grew up near the Humber River in Toronto, a slow, lazy river. It only flooded when the ice broke up and then it was incredible. Can't imagine boating down the street...
Guess, the flood just drop by without any invitations! But lets put it that way, at least no one is hurt.
God blessed!
Kristy
We just had our first dose of rain in what seems like months. Every thing is so dry.
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