Thursday, January 8, 2009

Oh the elements

I could have kicked myself for forgetting my camera today, as the sights of flooding were spectacular. The entire Snoqualmie Valley, which used to be farmland and pastures, turned into a glassy brown lake. Stands of trees were the only indications it used to be dry land, roads were covered with rushing water. I took a couple pictures with my camera phone, which doesn't do this scene justice at all.
I wanted to get to Duvall and Carnation, but they were turned into islands as all the surrounding roads became inundated with water, then closed down. The people there must be used to this, though, and probably have lots of food and water stored. I wish I had a canoe so I could paddle over, and see how people were managing.
I then went to Snoqualmie Falls where the raging floodwaters turned it into a frothy, muddy mess. I stood at the far distant lookout, and was immediately drenched with water. My jeans are still drying over two hours later. My bangs were plastered against my forehead, my face and glasses dripping with water. It was the combination of spray and cold wind and rain. The falls were almost blocked with billowing spray. My hands were immediately red and freezing. I couldn't believe the sight of that waterfall, and again, wish I had my camera.
Anyway, flood coverage has been exciting, although I wish things would get back to normal. I'm tired of all this crazy weather, going from 20 to 50 in just 2 weeks. I think our climate is really out of wack. As one British woman told me today, "We better learn how to swim."

4 comments:

andrea said...

Wow, I had no idea how bad it was!

Anonymous said...

My gosh! Great description and good couple of photos. No idea it was that bad, either.

Contact Travis said...

you've been doing a rock*star job out there KH!

Anonymous said...

I heard you as Mark and I drove around that day looking at the flooding. I thought if I saw a KOMO car I'd say hello:) We tried to get to the falls but everything was shut down. Did you see my video of it in the snow? Stunning