by Dan Ross, Sequim Gazette Staff Writer
       12/19/01 - Sequim-Dungeness - Water flows in the Dungeness River jumped tenfold early Monday morning, reaching a high-water mark not seen in the past four years.
       When water volume increases this much the velocity of the rushing water can create problems, according to Clallam County department of community development director Bob Martin.
       "It can carve new channels," he said.
       Kinkade Creek, a small tributary of the Dungeness, cut a new channel Monday morning, sending Rusty and Kimberly Culp scrambling for a new place to live.
       The Culps knew the troubles they faced when they bought a house last year on the tip of Kinkade Island.
       Kimberly said she understood the small Kinkade Creek ran very high and fast when there was a large amount of water in the adjacent Dungeness River. That fast water caused previous flooding on the 50-acre Kinkade Island and the access bridge had previously washed out.
       Her concerns, she said, were offset by how long her home had been standing.
       "The house was built in '50," said Kimberly, as she looked over belongings being removed while the Culp's evacuated their home.
       "Oh we might lose a little bit of land," she added, "but I never envisioned this."
       The creek cut its new channel early Monday morning, going under the Culp's deck and part of their living room. Large portions of land on each side of their home cascaded downstream into the Dungeness River.
       All the homes on Kinkade Island are in danger of flooding whenever the Dungeness River rises, according to Martin.
       "Kinkade Island is basically a gravel bar and it is in the flood plain," said Martin.
       The homes were all built before the county began requiring building permits for any structures, Martin pointed out.
       "I know I have never issued permits out there," said Martin. "It is bad enough as it is."
       Kinkade Creek flows along the east side of the island, and a bridge spans the creek, allowing access to the island. The small size of the creek poses problems when it comes to potential high Dungeness River flows during extended rainy weather.
       "There is not much you can do really to prevent the river from changing its course," said Martin.
       Cathy Lear, county salmon recovery planner, said people have applied for permits on the island, but most were cooperative when county staff denied their attempts.
       "People have been turned down out here for permits," Lear said as she looked out at the rushing Kinkade Creek waters and downed bridge that served as the Culp's driveway. "Once they saw what the river could do, generally they understood."
       New building is not allowed on the island, but Martin said nothing can be done about buying and selling existing homes.
       The people have a right to sell their homes, "but they are in an area that is prone to flooding," noted Martin. "It makes sense not to have old gravel bars out there with people living on them."
       The county has looked into buying out all the home owners on the island because of frequent flooding, yet Martin acknowledges there is no money available for such a buyout.
       "We are interested in it for public safety and river management," said Martin, "but we have no current revenues or sources of funding."
       "That is a bad situation and I hope something does get done about it," added Martin.

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