Storm damage leaves multiple county roads closed; commissioners clear state contract and easement for Rock Creek bridge

Cowlitz County public-works staff told commissioners Dec. 17 that heavy rain and wind over the previous week caused multiple slides and road closures, and that crews were focused on keeping culverts clear and removing trees where safe.

Mike Moss, public services director, said saturated hillsides and continued rain pose a landslide risk and that crews are prioritizing safety and passable routes. "We have 1 new slide on the Klamath River Road. Expecting more slides," Moss said, noting forecasts of continued rain and strong winds.

Savannah (Public Works) gave a street-by-street update: Barnes Drive will be closed for an extended period while officials assess permanent repairs; a slide on Klamath River Road is near the bypass (the bypass itself is open); Rose Valley Road is closed in the 300 block by Witherby; Cool Road is down to one lane. She said Puget Sound Energy (PUD) has been flagging power-line hazards and DEM supported the county with drone imagery to document flood-prone locations for damage assessment and grant applications.

Savannah said the county has met the state aid threshold ($538,000) that can trigger state assistance and suggested the board may close an emergency declaration early next week if conditions permit. "DEM extended their use of drones so that we could see some of these flood-prone areas in real time," she said, adding that drone footage will help with future grants and cost estimates.

Susan Eugenis, county engineer, briefed the board on the Rock Creek/Tower Road bridge replacement and requested the chairman sign a contract-readiness form to obligate $1,950,000 from the Department of Commerce and to sign the final temporary-easement document. Eugenis said construction is planned for 2026 and will require a 2–3 month closure of Tower Road to remove the temporary bridge and install the replacement.

Commissioners asked for specific mile-post details for closures and for continued social-media updates to advise residents, and staff said they would provide more detailed locational information and photos as they become available. The board authorized staff to sign the contract-readiness and property documents on the bridge project.

No formal votes were recorded on the road-status updates; the board approved the engineering items needed to obligate state funds for the replacement project and will forward contract documents as required.