These high flows can pose safety hazards to visitors at parks

VANCOUVER – Winter brings high water levels and swift currents to area rivers and streams each year. High river levels occur annually in the rainy season (October through March) and during spring snow melt (April through June). These high flows can pose safety hazards to visitors at parks including (but not limited to) Lewisville, Moulton, Lucia Falls, Frenchman’s Bar and Daybreak regional parks, Captain William Clark Regional Park at Cottonwood Beach, and Haapa Boat Launch.  

When recreating near rivers and streams this winter, park visitors should: 

• Keep a close eye on children near any body of water. Younger children should always be within arm’s reach. 
• Wear a lifejacket whenever recreating on, in, or near the water, including wading, bank fishing, boat fishing, kayaking, etc. Cold, swift water during the winter months is especially dangerous. 
• Stay away from rivers and streams during and for several days after heavy rain or snow events. Do not stand on rocks or logs in or near the water. River flows can change quickly and unexpectedly. 
• Never attempt to walk or bicycle through water on trails or roads if you can’t tell how deep it is. Water just six inches deep can sweep an adult off their feet.
• Always obey all closures marked with signs, caution tape, cones or other barricades. 
• Watch for hazards or changes to riverbanks when high water recedes. High water can erode riverbanks and make them unstable or susceptible to collapse. It can also loosen rocks, trees and vegetation. 

This winter, high river flows damaged the boat launch at Lewisville Regional Park. Users may continue to use the launch at their own risk. Additional high flows in the coming months could further damage the launch. Signs posted at the launch will update users about the conditions of the launch. The launch will be closed if damage renders it unusable. Users of all county boat launches are reminded that high winter flows can shift launches, introduce debris and hazards, and make launching and landing especially difficult. Launch users should always wear a lifejacket, especially when launching and landing. 

Residents can report flooding on trails, parks and roads at clark.wa.gov/public-works/report-park-road or by calling (564) 397-2446. 

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. 

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works/news to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language. 

Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communication.