High water takes toll along river road

High water flow on the North Fork of the Palouse River took a toll on the north side bank of the river across the river road from the entrance road for the Redtail Ridge development upstream from Colfax.

The erosion removed tons of soil and rock from the river bank which is now just a few feet from the side of the road.

The erosion was at a point where the river drops in elevation and then changes course for a short run parallel to the road.

A project to install rock “barbs” and riprap will be undertaken along 470 feet of the bank.

City Administrator Carl Thompson told the city council Monday the work will be done under the Palouse Conservation District with funds from the Department of Ecology.

Attempts will be made to save a large pine tree, which was undermined by the high water flow.

The river road is now in the Colfax city limits.