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After heavy rain and an I‑5 slide, Cowlitz County staff report multiple landslides and road closures; deputies, geotech inspections and reconnaissance underway
Summary
Public Works described landslides and high-flow events that temporarily closed I‑5-related access and created a large debris jam on a bridge; staff said they were conducting reconnaissance, arranging geotechnical inspections and coordinating with the sheriff's office to restrict non-local traffic on bypass roads.
County public-works staff and commissioners described impacts from recent high-flow events and landslides that affected I‑5 and several local roads.
Savannah Clement of Public Works said the latest event produced landslides on Hulcom Road and Clammer River Road and required closing Toodel Park Road to one lane; County crews ran reconnaissance and planned geotechnical inspections at several spots. Staff reported one water rescue where a vehicle attempted to traverse a flooded road.
Commissioners and staff explained that Green Mountain Road—used by drivers bypassing I‑5—has been restricted to locals during closures because heavy trucks and semi‑trailers become stranded on the narrow route and block emergency access. The sheriff's office has taken a lead role on‑site in directing traffic and enforcing closures.
The board also discussed a large pile of debris lodged against a bridge that staff said was now larger than before the event and raised structural concerns. Staff said the county does not have the resources to pull the debris from far‑downstream locations and that removal may require contractors or boat access; emergency permits (HPAs) are typically used when county crews can reach jams from bridge decks.
Staff said they have not been made aware of any flooded residences so far and that the county will continue inspections and monitoring as flows recede.
Next steps: geotechnical teams will inspect identified sites, and Public Works will follow standard procedures for debris removal and emergency repair work as needed.
