PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Water from the Columbia River is beginning to flood Capt. William Clark Park, and the Sandy River has grown to a dangerous level Saturday as an atmospheric river delivered a staggering amount of rain this weekend.

A KOIN 6 News crew observed water climbing the banks of the Columbia River and reaching walkways at the park in Washougal. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office also shared photos of a swollen Sandy River and urged the public to stay away from its waters as it is “fast-moving and numerous hazards exist.”

KOIN 6 News has reached out to the Clark County for more information on the status of the park.

Shortly before 5 p.m. Saturday, Portland Parks and Rec announced a portion of the Eastbank Esplanade will be closed on Sunday due to the rising waters. “The area affected is the floating portion of the popular multiuse path from north of the Morrison Bridge to south of the Steel bridge,” officials said.

  • A log is seen blocking rushing water in the Sandy River, which officials say is swollen from days of intense rains and rapid snowmelt. Authorities advised the public to stay away for safety. (Courtesy/MCSO)
  • Rescuers are seen paddling a boat after rescuing two people and a dog along Johnson Creek, which flooded this weekend due to an atmospheric river. (Courtesy/PF&R)

Closer to Portland, two people and one dog were rescued after being reportedly stranded along Johnson Creek, which the National Weather Service had issued a flood warning for early Saturday morning.

Entering the weekend, there were a variety of flood advisories, watches and warnings across the Pacific Northwest. In fact, Friday marked the second day in a row for record rainfall across Oregon and Washington.

Friday’s record rain total for PDX was 1.16″ (preliminary). The old record for rain June 10 was 0.66″ (1948). Troutdale airport reported 1.93″ as of midnight Saturday. It’s unclear if this would be a new record for the airport neighboring PDX.

NWS issues a Flood Warning for Johnson Creek

  • Home evacuations are NOT anticipated.
  • If the creek were to rise above 13 ft, that’s when evacuations would become necessary, according to NWS Portland.
  • Johnson Creek was expected to crest around 5am at 11 ft.
  • This timing coincided with the heaviest rain over Multnomah County.
  • Water should recede by Saturday afternoon.

Here is the hydro outlook for the Columbia River.

Other records broken this week

1.23 inches at Astoria Thursday, June 9. The old record for the date was 0.72 inches set in 1931. 
Seattle area broke a list of rain records yesterday.
Flood warnings for eastern WA rivers.
Flood Watch continues for south central WA