WASHOUGAL, Wash. — The rain so far this spring has been relentless.
Since April 1, the Portland metro area has seen more than 50 days of rain, and heavy rainfall and snowmelt are contributing to a sharp rise in area rivers and streams.
While the Willamette River isn’t under a flood watch or warning, but high water levels forced Portland Parks and Recreation to close part of the Eastbank Esplanade. At Sellwood Riverfront Park in Southeast Portland, the water level was so high that picnic tables were submerged under water.
Just two weeks ago, KGW crews were there covering a story about the warm weather and could easily walk along the dock. On Tuesday, the water level reached at least knee-high.
Where it’s really bad is along the Columbia River, which has seen minor flooding over the last couple of days. The high water didn’t stop the owner of the Puffin Café in Washougal from staying open on Tuesday, though.
Robert Guetter runs Puffin Café along the Columbia River in Washougal. He said he stays open no matter the weather — rain, sunshine or high water.
All of his appliances at his café run off of propane, so when his delivery propane arrived Tuesday morning he had no choice but to get in the water and start filling up his tanks, so he could open for business.
“There’s a lower road where all of my deliveries can walk up to the restaurant," Guetter said. "But as you can see, today it’s not happening."
A flood warning will remain in effect through Wednesday for parts of the Columbia River. Over the next couple of days, river levels are expected to drop and drier weather will move in.