Be safe on County roads, spring weather and farming add hazards

To the Editor:

In this so far surprisingly post-flooded early spring weather many of us are restless to head up into the hills to look at the views, take photographs of our beautiful landscapes and where possible without trespassing hike around. Residents familiar with spring road conditions know that trouble awaits if a person isn’t careful on wet gravel and dirt roads. Newbies like myself have already experienced floating diagonally down a few steep muddy roads. If this is your first spring and you want to go out with friends or relatives you should always be cautious and attentive and go slow. Don’t pass road closed signs, they are posted for your safety and road protection, you will be fined if caught and you are taking a risk of getting stuck far from help. Depending on the specific area and moisture—the roads in the Skyrocket Hills have dried out considerably--our hills have a mix of clay and silty soils that, if sufficiently deeply wet, can cause unexpected slippery conditions. Crews dump a specific size gravel for ideal packing and traction but it can still get sloppy. Watch for tire track evidence, often deep ruts where water ran, of previous drivers slipping both going uphill and downhill. And don’t think of playing it safe by moving over onto a shoulder and risking ruining carefully graded road edges and ditches. You may come to regret it.

Farmers are now moving large equipment into their fields on certain hills and you should be patient and yield the right of way at all times. Public Works staff are still assessing conditions of higher roads heavily impacted by last month’s flooding and they must prioritize as they wait for news on eligible funding declarations. Always respect the presence of road crews and slow down to ensure their safety. Give a wave. Watch for graders around the next bend. Also watch for ATVs suddenly coming at you around the following bend.

Some areas were hit far worse than others where water crossed roads and layers of new washed out rock can pose hazards. Historically many roads have remained closed to vehicle traffic until May 1 for public safety and protecting easily eroded surfaces. Note messages in signage. Weather isn’t over, drive for conditions. Thank you to Wayne Tate of Columbia County Public Works and Robert McAndrews of Walla Walla Road Operations.

Terry Lawhead

Waitsburg