Newhouse urges state of emergency for Rattlesnake Ridge

UNION GAP — Fourth Congressional Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Yakima, is urging Governor Jay Inslee to issue a state of emergency proclamation for Yakima County as a result of the current conditions and looming landslide at Rattlesnake Ridge.

The Washington Geological Survey says about 20 acres in the Rattlesnake Hills, near Union Gap, is currently moving in a southward direction. The movement is continual and some sort of landslide event is projected for early March, based on estimates from geologists and engineers.

Newhouse stated he is willing to work with Inslee to make sure federal assistance and resources will be dispatched to the Yakima Valley as soon as possible if a large landslide occurs. One geologist has stated the landslide could possibly send 1 million cubic yards of debris down the hill, according to the Associated Press.

Experts are predicting the landslide will move south and accumulate into a nearby quarry. Rock fall is expected to the west and south of the location and could impact Thorp Road, which has been closed since late December by Yakima County as a precaution. There is a low probability of the landslide reaching Interstate 82 and impacting homes south of the quarry, or reaching the Yakima River.

“As you may know, the (Yakima) Valley is home to over 200,000 residents as well as the thousands of commuters to and from the area. Included within the affected area is the Yakima River, which provides invaluable resources to the region from recreation to farmland irrigation,” Newhouse wrote. “Also, Interstate 82 (I-82), a vital transportation artery, is in the direct path for those who live in the region and who use I-82 on a daily basis. Any disruption to the Valley’s transportation or water infrastructure poses devastating effects for the state and the region’s overall economy.”

Officials are currently monitoring Rattlesnake Ridge 24/7, using large shipping containers filled with concrete at the southwest corner of the landslide along Thorp Road to block rock fall, have evacuated residents south of the landslide and are currently preparing for the worst and adjusting plans as more information on the landslide becomes available.

“I was pleased to see on Jan. 10, 2018 that Yakima County and the City of Union Gap made the decision in taking the precautionary steps by declaring a disaster area because of the deteriorating conditions,” Newhouse stated.

Newhouse said Inslee’s declaration is important for any federal response and it can help in ensuring management of the Rattlesnake Ridge site.