Another Weather Update

We have been watching the weather and forecasts for our area all afternoon. The National Weather Service (NWS) has no flood watches or warnings for Cowlitz County. We expect the rivers to be high but not over flood stage except for the Columbia. The Columbia is expected to crest at ¾ of a foot over flood stage on Sunday afternoon mostly because of ocean tidal influences. This may cause flooding of low lying areas but no buildings should be impacted.


We will continue to have rain over the weekend with limited impacts on the rivers. Watch for localized urban flooding on streets and low lying areas. Our weekend duty officer will keep an eye on the weather and river levels in case something changes. You can obtain up to date information at the NWS Portland or the River Forecast Center websites.

River Update

So far the Cowlitz River looks like it will remain under flood stage tonight and through the weekend, as does the Lewis River at Woodland.  The only river that will likely sit right at flood stage will be parts of the Columbia River.  During this type of rain, it's common to see street and small stream flooding.  If conditions change significantly, we will send out an update.

Weather Update

The National Weather Service – Portland held a weather event briefing this afternoon (see attached slides). They are forecasting a heavy rain storm (aka: Pineapple Express) to impact NW Oregon and SW Washington over the next 48 hours. Several inches of rain and flooding is predicted in many of the rivers in Oregon south of the Columbia River along with Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties in Washington.

For the time being the forecast models show the main storm going south and there should not be flooding in Clark or Cowlitz Counties. We will be closely monitoring this weather event and will send out updates if anything changes.

Detecting Natural Gas Leaks

From Cascade Natural Gas:
The following may indicated a natural gas leak:

• A blowing, whistling, or hissing sound
• A patch of dry ground in an otherwise damp or wet area
• A patch of discolored soil or dead vegetation
• Dry (or moist) dirt being blown in the air
• Water bubbling or spraying into the air in a mud puddle or wet area
• A sign of fire floating on the ground or around a pipe
• A very strong odor similar to rotten eggs or the smell of a skunk

Pipelines have a good safety record relative to the tremendous volumes of products they carry.  And we strive to have the best trained and dedicated workforce to ensure that our design, construction, and maintenance activities ensure we have the safe and efficient natural gas delivery system you expect, but leaks and pipeline accidents can and sometimes do occur.  Natural gas is flammable, non-toxic, and lighter than air.  A specific mixture of natural gas with air is necessary for ignition.  If there is too much air, or too little gas, it will not ignite.  Properly used and controlled, it is safe and reliable.  The potential consequences of an uncontrolled gas release can be harmful, and even deadly.

How to Assemble the Ultimate Car Emergency Kit

Our trusty reader Andy sent in this link from Popular Mechanics for an extensive list of items to carry in your car.  Click here and go through the slides.  They include some items I wouldn't have necessarily thought about adding:  dog food (check out the article to see why), wire ties, Ziploc bags, etc....

Phone Scam Alert

From Washington State Emergency Management Division

Residents of Washington, Michigan, Pennsylvania and other states have reported receiving calls from someone requesting money for 9-1-1 services. The caller claims that residents must pay a fee to register their house in a 9 1 1 database so first responders can locate the home in an emergency. The caller also requests names and medical information from the residents.


This is a scam. 9-1-1 services are funded through dedicated 9-1-1 excise taxes on telephone bills and by other local government funds.

Any request for 9-1-1 funds over the phone is a fraud. Residents who receive these calls should hang up and report the suspicious call to their local police or sheriff’s non-emergency phone number.

Another great kit idea!

Leave it to our faithful blog readers to find yet another super cool emergency kit.  This one from Field and Stream magazine is made out of an Altoids tin.  Not only will you have a handy survival kit, but its contents will smell minty fresh!  Check out the slide show to learn step by step how to make your own.  Thanks Andy!