Winter Thaw Damages Yakima Valley
A rapid melting of snow causes significant disruption to irrigation infrastructure and roads.
James Shepherd returned Monday from Yakima and Sunnyside, where he had gone several days ago on business. He reports considerable damage to the irrigation ditches, drainage canals, roads, etc., in the Yakima valley, due to the melting of snow faster than the natural waterways could carry off the surplus water.
“Considerable damage to the irrigation ditches, drainage canals, roads, etc., due to the melting of snow faster than the natural waterways could carry off the surplus water.”
Rapid snowmelt and the resulting failure of aging infrastructure remain a persistent challenge for the agricultural communities of Eastern Washington. Today's climate shifts continue to stress the irrigation networks that define life along the Columbia.
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