Commissioners hear reports on high‑water impacts, landslides and a large debris jam threatening bridges

Commissioners received multiple reports on recent high‑water events that caused landslides and road damage across the county and raised concerns about a large debris jam near a bridge.

A commissioner asked whether the diking district inspects dikes after high‑water events; County Engineer Susan Eugenis (Speaker 7) confirmed the diking district conducts regular inspections during and after storms. Public Works’ Savannah Clement (Speaker 6) described rapid rain‑driven damage in North County, reporting landslides on Tule Park Road (one lane closure), Holcomb Road and Clammer River Road, and a water rescue on Ostrander Creek. Clement emphasized recurring trouble spots and urged motorists: "Turn around. Don't drown."

Commissioners also described a growing log jam downstream of a bridge that, by account, had widened to an estimated 35–40 feet and was pressing against bridge elements. Engineers warned that concentrated debris increases pressure on bridge structures. Eugenis said county crews do routine debris removal from bridge decks when accessible but that the current jam is too far downstream for county equipment and would require responders with boats to remove the mass; she said emergency HPA resources are used when debris reaches the deck but not for inaccessible downstream jams.

Next steps: staff will continue reconnaissance, bring geotechnical experts to inspect critical spots as needed and coordinate with the diking district and emergency responders for any high‑risk debris removal.