Historical Quote of the Month
2008:
Previous years:
"Rebuilding in a known floodplain is at best an act of futility and possibly proof of insanity doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different result."
(Source: May 10, 2008 Letter to The Chronicle Editor by Jae Bell, Chehalis who experienced both Hurricane Katrina's aftermath and the 2007 Chehalis Valley flood)
"...Rivers were here long before man, and for untold ages, every stream has periodically exercised its right to expand when carrying more than normal flow. Man's error has not been the neglect of flood control measures but his refusal to recognize the right of the rivers to their floodway_ _ _ ."
(Source: Original Feb. 1965, updated & revised Jan. 1968 Skagit County Comprehensive Plan, page 30)
Our repairs are generally so localized in nature that they will have no impact on the prefailure hydraulic conditions in the river. However, I also realize that for every change man makes to a river's levee system, a change in the river may result. As you know, the Corps has been involved in the Skagit River and its flooding problems for many, many years. Neither I nor my staff want to do something that will make the problem worse or result in coming back at a later date and developing a solution to redress our previous actions. As much as we would like to, we do not have the authority or funding under the PL 84-99 program to evaluate the cumulative impact of levee repair works along with all other existing and anticipated works on the Skagit River valley. If requested by Skagit County, we could accomplish this type of evaluation within the upcoming flood control feasibility study.
(Source: Colonel Donald T. Wynn, US Army Corps of Engineers 10/15/1996 Wynn Letter to Leonard Halverson)
Widespread Flooding
When considering buying property or insurance, many people use the 100-year flood line as a safe benchmark. However, California's 30 days of rain in December 1861 and January 1862 was the equivalent of at least a 30,000-year event. In San Francisco, the storms resulted in a 10,000-year event, while in Sacramento, the flooding was "only" a 2,300-year event.
(Source: January/February 2007 Weatherwise "California Washed Away: The Great Flood of 1862" by Jan Null and Joelle Hulbert)
“You have chosen to live where you live. If you chose to live in certain locations, you're accepting a certain risk.”
(Source: Bill Ivy, roads manager for the San Juan National Forest in Colorado, 2/3/2008 Durango Herald, "On forest roads, clearing snow homeowners’ job")
“A practical remedy is needed and needed badly. Just what this remedy should be has been discussed by many ranchers during the past week. President Nelson of the Mount Vernon Commercial Club brought the matter up at the meeting last Monday evening and a general discussion ensued. The club members, while perfectly willing to take hold of the matter and assist in solving the remedy were reluctant to do so, believing that the first move should come from the farmers. If the club can do anything toward helping in the solution of the great problem, the ranchers are privileged to call upon the business men of Mount Vernon and every assistance will be given. The remedy is believed to be found in the construction of spillways. Several plans and suggestions have been made during the week, but this matter, being of such enormous proportions, will require more than talk to get something started. Where there is a will, there is a way. Let all unite in finding the way. Concentrated action is needed. It is believed that government aid can be secured to help in this big undertaking. The ranchers should arrange meetings in their various sections, and select two or three to represent the section in a larger body. Let this larger body plan out the remedy, or the way and then GO AFTER IT.”
(Source: January 10, 1918 Mt. Vernon Herald Editorial)
