Press Release #6

Clark County has a staging area for trucks set up at Clark County fairgrounds at Exit 9.

Toutle Evacuation is lifted.

Green Acres above Castle Rock High School is still evacuated.

PH 10 is closed between Westside Highway and downtown Castle Rock. It is not recommended that people continue to take short cuts around barricades.

RV Park located on the Lewis River Road just east of freeway still evacuated.

Flows into the Lewis River appear to be abating and Pacific Power expects it will be able to ramp down the level of water being released from Merwin Dam later today. While Pacific Power was releasing about 40,000 cubic feet per second below Merwin Dam yesterday, by the end of today, that level is expected to be down to 30,000 cfs as reported by Tom Gauntt, PacifiCorp. Corps of Engineers has conducted a preliminary inspection of the dikes from Castle Rock to Kelso and there appears to be no problems at this time.
No reports of injuries or loss of life have been received.

Health officials are encouraging residents to stay informed about weather related events. Advised to take precautions to protect their health: pay attention to any wounds incurred within muddy water; important to wash hands continually or use hand sanitizer; and is normal to feel anxious about your family’s health and safety - mental health resources are available.
More information is available on the Washington State Department of Health Web site at http://www.doh.wa.gov/Topics/weather.htm.

Information regarding road closures and other emergency information can be found on:
www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/DEM/roads

Press Releases will be issued every 4 hours.