Been fighting food poisoning we picked up at Wendys - hasnt been fun but three days into this I think we are on the downside, I hope! In any event will try a post now that I can more or less function again -
While Vancouver water level data is missing for 1970-72 (actually it isnt its just in a weird place), there is supporting water flow data which covers the period 70-72. For example Willamette peak flow data at Salem. Turns out the two sets of data compare favorably, for several reasons, and are an indicator of water levels downstream of Portland-Vancouver at Tina Bar. See graph attached.
Recall that geologist Palmer said that 'high water during the three months prior' to the Ingram find was responsible for conveying the Ingram money to Tina Bar. Turns out there were no high water events during the 3 months prior to discovery! Palmer had to back off and revise his estimate - he then said 'well maybe last several years'. But the USCE hydrologist Bradley was more specific. Bradley cited a brief high water period in 1977 that had parts of the Washougal 10 feet out of their banks. The graph attached shows that 1977 was a strange year - a drought set in that year lasting until 1980 - general levels were low except for a flash flood in December of '77 after which levels dropped abruptly again and stayed exceptionally low (during the drought) lasting through 1977-80 with levels in 1980 being exceptionally low! Thus the Palmer water level thesis is total hogwash!
The actual highest levels at Tina bar were in the years 1974 and 1972! (see chart attached). The two flood events in 1974 occurred just prior to dredging activity starting at Tina Bar. And, the middle half to end of 1974 was exceptionally dry with no high water levels at Tina Bar.
Its an interesting set of data.
Poll