The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1904-03-08

AS result of one of the worst rain
storms to sweep Eastern Washington
in years the Walla Walla valley today
is under from two to four inches Of
water and every stream within the dis
trict is seething mass of turbulent
muddy waters. carrying debris of all
descriptions and doing no little dam
age. Mill creek in many places is
flowing dangerously near the top OF
the banks and in the lowlands has
broken and flooded adjacent lands.
Should the heavy rains continue melt
ing the snow in the mountains one of
the worst floods in the history of the
valley is expected.
The Dixie country was the first to
report damage from the heavy rain
and melting SHOWS yesterday evening.
"A
as it swept down the narrow valley in
which Dry creek flows created alarm
among the farmers along the route and
in several instances the inhabitants
took to higher ground, fearful Of a
repetition Of the Heppner disaster.
At Dixie people living along the
stream became alarmed at the rising
of Dry creek and moved their house.
hold goods to the hills. The stream
was overflowing it's banks in sur
prisingly short time and many cellars
and hOusese were flooded.
Many Families Left Their Homes.
AS the water came down Dry creek
with such a heavy rush many of the
farmers residing along the banks of
the stream were compelled to hastily
leave their homes and seek shelter with
neighbors living on the higher ground.
In speaking with Emmett Evans by
telephone this morning that gentleman
said
TT was the heaviest rain storm that
has ever prevailed in the Dry creek
section. and for a time last night ii
was feared that the entire country
would be flooded. The worst part of
the storm prevailed at about O'Clock
and it was thought that there had been
a cloudburst near Dixie. Shortly after
the heavy clouds had passed over my
place the water rushed down Dry creek
in perfect torrent and in very short
space of the time the banks were over
flowing. The entire flat surrounding
my house and barn was soon covered
with water and fearing that the house
might be swept away | removed my
Family TO the residence of Gus Cod
man about half a mile above me. The
water around my house was about
four feet deep and my large alfalfa
patch was completely covered,
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Stanfield, who
live Just across the road from my place
were compelled to wade through water
about three feet deep to reach the
home of William Stanfield across the
creek. where they remained all night
MANY of the fences and small out
buildings were swept away ana the
bridge crossing Dry creek at the Stan
Il cd X
tent. The roads are all washed out ana
oil low lands are in a very bad con-
dtion.
The waters receded somewhat ABOUT
9 o'clock last night, but this morning
the creek was still very high and was
slowly rising.
Rushed Down the Canyon.
The residence and other buildings
on the Dewitt farm. located on side
hill about half mile north OF Dry
creek. were damaged by the water
that rushed down the canyon at a ter
,ific rate and the occupants of the
house were forced to leave the bulld-
inc \ large amount of fencing was
completely swept away and other
damage done.
Extended to Touchet.
Reports received this afternoon are
?, +ba effect that the food extended
down Dry creek to the Touchet river,
and a great amount of damage is re-
norted. Many of the fences have been