I'm glad that you found some value in this piece. Thanks for letting me know! My little city was lucky this time and was spared, but the flooding did strike nearby.
You know, once upon a time, men built dams to control such things, oh and incidentally to generate Electrical power... Yes, you end up with a lake somewhere, and that too is good, if you can find a place to put the lake that doesn't destroy too much other needful stuff.
Of course we're so much smarter now. We sneer at dams, and tear them down, because some fish run that hasn't existed for a century is going to magically come back if you just let the river run wild... and flood the world every now and then. We somehow believe that the giant fish of the past, which, again, were fished into non existence a century ago, were because of the magic waters of this stream, or that river, and not due to a genetic line, destroyed all those years ago, by selectively fishing for "The big ones."
Without a doubt, dams are the only real solution to this area's flooding. While they each gleefully engaged in dike building, both of my grandfathers spoke often, and dreamed of a dam upriver as it would prevent future floods. Of course that was never built. And as you point out, lots of people are actually anti-dam now.
And yep, the electricity they generate is both clean and renewable. Badly needed as we convert more and more heating and transportation to electric in this area. Indeed there has been talk of blackouts here in the future (one of the utilities published a study predicting them) due to insufficient supply. We certainly now have the knowledge and ability to move fish upstream past dams.
Here in the Chehalis basin flooding is a bit different than most places, because the floodwaters can come from two directions. From the Cascades of course, but also from the Willapa Hills west of us. That's where the last massive flood here came from. There is much talk, and active planning for a dam in the Willapa to remove that threat, but I don't imagine it will ever be built.
I really enjoyed this one, probably because it all feels to present right now. From our house in Snohomish, we look out across the valley to what is usually farmland, but for the last week or so we’ve called it “Lake Snohomish,” with huge parts of the valley under water. You describe the adventure well.
This story reminds me of how sometimes we fail to see how swiftly things can catch up to us and inundate us. Highlighting the importance of building a strong foundation in a place of safety and security, to protect and preserve all that we hold dear.
I appreciate your analogy highlighting the importance of considering the effects it can have on those around us when we fail to plan, or fail to consider the impact on others around us.
Emperor of West of the Cascades. I like it. This story you wrote reminds me of A River Runs Through It “Washington Style”. Nicely written, and I enjoyed your story very much. It was from your heart. My Dad called it all progress. I remember when I was young that all I felt it was is destruction. Progress takes and gives just like our rivers. Peace be with you my Emperor.
Thank you for writing this! I am outside of the flood zone, but it is only about 15 miles away. It is truly heartbreaking.
I'm glad that you found some value in this piece. Thanks for letting me know! My little city was lucky this time and was spared, but the flooding did strike nearby.
You know, once upon a time, men built dams to control such things, oh and incidentally to generate Electrical power... Yes, you end up with a lake somewhere, and that too is good, if you can find a place to put the lake that doesn't destroy too much other needful stuff.
Of course we're so much smarter now. We sneer at dams, and tear them down, because some fish run that hasn't existed for a century is going to magically come back if you just let the river run wild... and flood the world every now and then. We somehow believe that the giant fish of the past, which, again, were fished into non existence a century ago, were because of the magic waters of this stream, or that river, and not due to a genetic line, destroyed all those years ago, by selectively fishing for "The big ones."
Yes, we're so much smarter now... Sigh.
Without a doubt, dams are the only real solution to this area's flooding. While they each gleefully engaged in dike building, both of my grandfathers spoke often, and dreamed of a dam upriver as it would prevent future floods. Of course that was never built. And as you point out, lots of people are actually anti-dam now.
And yep, the electricity they generate is both clean and renewable. Badly needed as we convert more and more heating and transportation to electric in this area. Indeed there has been talk of blackouts here in the future (one of the utilities published a study predicting them) due to insufficient supply. We certainly now have the knowledge and ability to move fish upstream past dams.
Here in the Chehalis basin flooding is a bit different than most places, because the floodwaters can come from two directions. From the Cascades of course, but also from the Willapa Hills west of us. That's where the last massive flood here came from. There is much talk, and active planning for a dam in the Willapa to remove that threat, but I don't imagine it will ever be built.
I really enjoyed this one, probably because it all feels to present right now. From our house in Snohomish, we look out across the valley to what is usually farmland, but for the last week or so we’ve called it “Lake Snohomish,” with huge parts of the valley under water. You describe the adventure well.
Thanks Tom, I'm glad that you liked it!
I haven't been up to see this one, but talked to my Brother as they were moving the animals and equipment up on the hill.
This story reminds me of how sometimes we fail to see how swiftly things can catch up to us and inundate us. Highlighting the importance of building a strong foundation in a place of safety and security, to protect and preserve all that we hold dear.
I appreciate your analogy highlighting the importance of considering the effects it can have on those around us when we fail to plan, or fail to consider the impact on others around us.
Great post!
Emperor of West of the Cascades. I like it. This story you wrote reminds me of A River Runs Through It “Washington Style”. Nicely written, and I enjoyed your story very much. It was from your heart. My Dad called it all progress. I remember when I was young that all I felt it was is destruction. Progress takes and gives just like our rivers. Peace be with you my Emperor.