Highway 138W between Sutherlin and Elkton still bears evidence of the most destructive snowstorm in decades.
Downed Douglas fir trees riddle the side of the road; guard rails are smashed to the ground where trees fell. Roofs on abandoned barns are caved in. Some downed power lines have yet to be removed, although power has been completely restored to the area — there’s still no power at the local transfer station, however.
At the Elkton City Council’s regular meeting Thursday, councilors discussed how to prepare for the next natural disaster. It’s a conversation many towns in Douglas County have started after being completely cut off from the outside world for days.
Areas of north Douglas County were hit particularly hard as heavy rain started Feb. 23, turned to snow the next day and persisted for days after.