Sudden thaw swamps county

A sudden thaw last week caused flooding around the county, but town, city and county resources quickly sprang into action along with countless volunteers.

An isolated, dramatic event was the sudden explosion of water in Colfax, flooding a good part of the business district and snarling Highway 195 traffic. Crews and volunteers worked to lessen the damage by clearing drains and diverting the water as much as possible.

Property damage occurred, but it was less than what one might have expected. This emergency was over almost as quickly as it started. All that remained was the clean up. Later in the afternoon, some were not even aware of what had occurred.

Not so elsewhere in the county. The thaw swamped roads and some structures. Roads were closed and traffic detoured to safer routes. In some cases, there was no way around the flooding. Some motorists defied the high water. In other places, it was impossible to tell where roads actually were. The standing water lingered for some time.

Official crews and volunteers did what they could. Equipment showed up from nowhere. Property damage was limited, and there were no reports of injuries or real endangerment to people.

That is no consolation to those whose property was damaged. Some are still cleaning up and trying to assess losses.

The damage from the thaw and flooding could have been worse. In part, its effect was ameliorated by official and non-official actions.

Many will remember the thaw of 2014. For most, the most vivid memories will be of helping and being helped.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher