Melting snow and mounting rains washed out parts of Lolo Pass Road near Zigzag Monday, destroying three homes and stranding hundreds of residents.
"It's definitely a force to be reckoned with," said John Ogletree, a resident of the area. "We'll be stranded out here for a little while, it looks like," he added.
Many residents were without power and phone service as waters raged through the area, forcing many to evacuate.
"The Sandy River Bridge was a foot-and-a-half under water," said Fran Lanagan, who lives in the area. "That increased the danger element, and I decided not to go (in) at that point," she said.
The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday morning about signing an emergency declaration, which is expected to be completed Thursday. The Zigzag Bridge is intact, but inspections revealed significant erosion to the south approach that could result in total collapse, officials said. As a result, authorities have closed the bridge to all but limited pedestrian traffic.
One resident, who lives just off the river, avoided catastrophe so far, but was ready to move at a moments notice.
"We have friends we could go to," said Dawn Clevidence, but, added: "More of what I'm worried about is boulders coming up, you just never know."
Late Monday officials did open a mile-long portion of the road from the intersection of Barlow Trail Road, which covers the area above the Zigzag Bridge to Barlow Trail Road.
The Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross opened a shelter Tuesday in Welches for families affected by the Sandy River flooding. The shelter is located at Camp Arrah-Wanna, 24075 East Arrah Wanna, in Welches.
Currently, the Red Cross is assisting nine families and the shelter--equipped with showers and cooking facilities--has the capacity to accommodate over 200 people.
