Columbia County Operations Resume After Record-Breaking Winter Storm

Update on Weight Restrictions Imposed as a result of the Freeze/Thaw Cycle‏.

Vernonia Oregon's high school after floodwaters hit last December. Courtesy: vernoniafloodinfo.blogspot.com/

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Officials say most of Columbia County is back to normal activities this week after two weeks of snow and ice hampered the holiday activities of many residents.

The storm brought a record 18.9 inches of snow to the region and was the snowiest month since 1969 according to the National Weather Service and a record snowfall for lower elevations.

The weather event affected the roads and on Tuesday, the 23rd of December the County Commissioners approved a Board Order imposing weight restrictions on posted county roads to reduce road damage as a result of the heavy freeze/thaw cycle.

"The County realizes that commerce will be limited, however, the roads need a little time to completely thaw and settle and re-compact before heavy loads are allowed" said Dave Hill, County Road Department Director.

He also anticipates that the road restrictions will be lifted on Monday, January 5th, 2009, barring any further freezes or other weather related events. Until that time residents are urged to contact the road department for a complete list of those posted roads at 503-397-5090.

Thirteen Columbia County Road Department workers and supervisors plowed 550 miles of roads during the snow event between the 14th, and the 28th of December (15-days).

The Road Department also hired two additional temporary employees and rented two graders and hired one contract grader to handle the load.

The Oregon Department of Transportation also assisted in the effort on the last day, as all of their equipment was in use.

During the 15-day period, County Road Maintenance Workers and Supervisors put in 765.5 hours of overtime, or an average of over 58 hours of overtime per employee.

Jeff Goodman, Road Maintenance Worker in Vernonia, put in over 107 hours of overtime and Kelly Lundgren, Rainier District Supervisor put in 105 hours of overtime.

County Emergency Operations personnel worked through-out the storm event to address issues in Vernonia, St. Helens, Mist/Birkenfeld and other cities in Columbia County.

Vernonia: Power has been restored and the warming shelter at the Vernonia Middle School has been closed.

Columbia County urges the public to prepare for inclement weather and other situations that could impair the immediate delivery of public services. More information about individual and family preparedness can be found at www.take5tosurvive.com.