Floodwaters recede in Walla Walla and Columbia counties as recovery efforts begin
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, March 17th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA & COLUMBIA COUNTIES – Floodwaters continue to recede as local officials shift their focus from emergency response to recovery and infrastructure repair.
While the Touchet River has dropped six feet from its peak, local health and city of Waitsburg officials are urging residents to exercise caution before returning to normal activities.
The Walla Walla County Department of Community Health issued a series of safety mandates for residents returning to flooded properties. To prevent injury and long-term damage, the department recommends inspecting all electrical connections for moisture before restoring power; do not consume well water until it has been professionally tested for contamination; and avoid using septic systems while standing water remains. Homeowners should ensure covers are secure and schedule professional inspections and pumping immediately.
The Walla Walla County Public Works reports the Seven Mile Bridge is closed due to road-junction damage on its south side. Emergency services can access the north via Mill Creek Road and the south via Scenic Loop Road. Originally damaged in 2020, the bridge uses a temporary WSDOT structure. As of May 2025, replacement remains on hold because federal funding has not yet been fully secured.
In addition to the Seven Mile Bridge being out, Walla Walla County Public Works has reclosed Lower Hogeye Road at US 12 to the county line.
In Waitsburg, City Administrator Randy Hinchliffe reported that standing water remains prevalent in areas east of the Highway 12 bridge that crosses the Touchet River. The city council is expected to address the flood’s impact and recovery efforts during its meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Waitsburg City Hall.
One such business closed until further notice is the Waitsburg Gun Club. Staff tell Elkhorn Media Group the Touchet River breached at Lower Hogeye Road Bridge about a half mile away from the gun club. Estimated damage to the gun club is $30,000, but they say they’ll get a more accurate number once things dry out.
Photo via Waitsburg Gun Club shows water damaged storage shed full of mud
In Columbia County to the east, Ski Bluewood officials met with the U.S. Forest Service to assess significant road damage caused by the combination of heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt.
Photo via US Forest Service of damaged Forest Service Road 64 to Bluewood
Though the resort plans to reopen this Friday, the access road to the mountain will remain closed to the public until then to allow crews to complete essential repairs.
Top photo via Yvonne Bowhay shows sandbags lining residence located along Patit Creek in Dayton
