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Section of Waterfront Renaissance Trail closed due to flooding

June 3, 2011: Ongoing Columbia River flooding and rapid currents have forced the closure of about 400 feet of Vancouver's Waterfront Renaissance Trail in the area of the Tidewater Cove, west of Wintler Park. Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation, in coordination with the City of Vancouver's Department of Public Works, today erected barricades to close the small section of the popular trail due to erosion of the trail along the river's bank, damage to an overlook and retaining wall, and submersion of the end of the Tidewater jetty. Those who take to the trail this sunny weekend will encounter barricades detouring them to the solid, existing path along Columbia Way. Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Director Pete Mayer said the closure and detour will remain in effect for as long as they are needed. "We are working closely with engineers, operations teams and adjacent property owners to monitor and assess high-water impacts and potential short-term and long-term options and costs," Mayer said. "As the Columbia River rises, we will continue to keep a close watch on this and all sections of the waterfront trail and take action where necessary." The Columbia River's continued flood-stage levels at Vancouver have had a major impact on this sandy portion of the trail, where the river appears to be naturally trying to cut into the bank to create a flatter slope of sandy beach. Compounding that are factors such as rapid currents and the high velocity caused by the water-inundated jetty. Local, state and federal permits are required and must be coordinated for any work in this area. A list of possible long-term options and their related permitting requirements and costs is under development and recommendations will be presented to the City Council when the evaluation is complete. At this time, options for halting the natural erosion of the shoreline or preserving the 400 feet of trail are anticipated to be extremely limited, as is available funding.

Columbia River flooding requires caution Anyone whose weekend plans include outdoor activities near the Columbia River should take special precautions to stay away from the water and postpone swimming and boating activities. The river is running cold and fast, carrying debris, and causing some flooding at local beaches and other low-lying areas. For updated flooding information, see the NOAA website or visit websites linked below. When warm weather returns, it tempts some people to enter the rivers, despite cold and fast-flowing waters. Cold water increases the risks of drowning and hypothermia, which can be life threatening when body temperature drops. Clark County Public Health and Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation urge people to observe the following water safety guidelines throughout the swimming season:
Drowning prevention

• Know the water - Washington state waters are cold enough to cause hypothermia even on the hottest summer day. Hypothermia can weaken even the strongest swimmer.
• Know your limits - drowning often happens when a person tires while swimming.
• Wear a life jacket whenever you boat, jet ski, go tubing or do other water sports.
• Ensure that children are wearing lifejackets. Inflatable toys and mattresses will not keep children safe. By law, children ages 12 or younger must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket or vest on all vessels 18 feet or shorter.
• Never leave children unsupervised in or near the water, even for a minute. Drownings happen swiftly and silently.
• Always avoid alcohol when swimming or boating.
• Avoid swimming in potentially dangerous areas, such as fast-flowing rivers or ocean beaches with riptides.
• Don't dive into shallow water and avoid jumping into swimming holes from bridges or cliffs. High flows during the winter can shift boulders and create diving perils that may not have been present last summer.
• Cover your spa when not in use.
• Ponds, five-gallon buckets, and wading pools are hazards for young children.