Yikes. You knew, after the rain kept comming down, that it was going to be at least as bad as 96. The photos, however, were even a bit more sobering than we had all expected.

While shocking, the real issue other than the destruction is how the timing of this storm and the damage inflicted will impact Hood River. Right now, there is intense lobbying going on to determine which side of the mountain road will be repaired first. If Hood River is repaired first (most likely) expect a significant increase in winter traffic counts, and many new faces in town. These will most likely be people who have not discovered the excellent access Hood River has to the mountain, and Hood River’s value as a great staging point for a weekend at the mountain.

This will undoubtedly lead to more local interest in Hood River as a Winter destination………

HOWEVER……….If the repairs are delayed, and/or the other side of Highway 35 is repaired first, this could cut off the Hood River valley from one of its largest employers, and destroy and semblance of Winter commerce, from ski rentals all the way down to restaurant covers. Look out, that could mean a tough, long winter in this little town……

Stay tuned.