Walla Walla & Columbia County Recover After Flooding

Receding floodwaters reveal damage to infrastructure as officials urge caution and assess next steps

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:36pm

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Heavy rainfall and snowmelt over the weekend overwhelmed local waterways in Walla Walla and Columbia counties, leading to significant flooding. While the immediate crisis has passed, recovery efforts are now underway as officials assess damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Residents are being advised to exercise caution when returning to flooded properties and take safety precautions.

Why it matters

The flooding has impacted local businesses and recreation, with the Waitsburg Gun Club sustaining an estimated $30,000 in damage and Ski Bluewood having to close its primary access road for repairs. The recovery process will be crucial for these communities to get back on their feet and resume normal operations.

The details

The Touchet River has dropped six feet from its peak, but officials are still urging caution, with the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health issuing safety mandates focused on preventing injury and long-term damage. Significant damage to infrastructure is becoming apparent, with the Seven Mile Bridge remaining closed due to road-junction damage and Lower Hogeye Road at US 12 also reclosed. In Waitsburg, standing water persists east of the Highway 12 bridge crossing the Touchet River.

  • The flooding occurred over the weekend of March 15-16, 2026.
  • The Touchet River has dropped six feet from its peak.
  • The Seven Mile Bridge has been closed since the flooding.
  • Ski Bluewood plans to reopen this Friday, March 21, 2026.
  • The Waitsburg City Council is scheduled to discuss the flood's impact and recovery plans at their meeting on Wednesday evening, March 19, 2026.

The players

Walla Walla County Department of Community Health

The local health department that has issued safety mandates for residents returning to flooded properties.

Waitsburg City Council

The city council that will discuss the flood's impact and recovery plans at their meeting on Wednesday evening.

Ski Bluewood

The ski resort that is assessing road damage caused by the rainfall and snowmelt, and plans to reopen this Friday.

U.S. Forest Service

The federal agency that is evaluating the extent of the damage to Forest Service Road 64, the primary access route to Ski Bluewood.

Waitsburg Gun Club

The local business that sustained an estimated $30,000 in damage after the Touchet River breached near the Lower Hogeye Road Bridge, flooding a storage shed with mud.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.