The storm event of December 1–3, 2007, was a truly historic event, where snow, strong winds, and heavy rainfall battered western Washington, triggering thousands of landslides (over 1,500 recorded) and causing major flooding on numerous rivers.
The storm came in three parts, bringing winds and heavy snow on December 1. Warm temperatures and heavy rain followed on December 2-3, rapidly melting snow. Hurricane force winds blew into the area on December 3rd, hugging along the coastline with sustained winds of 80 miles per hour with gusts up to 145 miles per hour. It creating a massive blowdown zone of timber, 600 to 800 million board feet, along the coastline, but was relatively sheltered from the intense rain and rapid snowmelt.
Landslides PHOTOS by County or area
Chehalis Headwaters (Stillman Creek Area)
Lewis County
Thurston County
Mason County
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Above Image: The Pe Ell landslide occurred on December 3rd, 2007, blocking State Highway 6 and damaging three structures.
DNR Landslide Reconnaissance Geologists: Isabelle Y. Sarikhan, Kelsay Davis, Trevor Contreras, Jack Powell, Michael Polenz, and Timothy Walsh
Related Publication
Open File 2008-5: Landslide Reconnaissance Following the Storm Event of December 1-3, 2007, in Western Washington, by I. Y. Sarikhan, K. D. Stanton, T. A. Contreras, Michael Polenz, Jack Powell, T. J. Walsh, and R. L. Logan. 16 p.