High water but little damage

Whychus Creek ran high, wide and powerful Sunday, but residents escaped significant damage.

Cris Converse of Pine Meadow Ranch reported that, while the creek south of town was up to its banks - and came over at PMR's new irrigation diversion - there was no damage.

"Me and my handy shovel took care of things," she said.

The ranch manager was in high spirits after a day of work in the rain and mud.

"I love high-water events," she said. "The power of nature."

Jeff Wester, who lives on the canyon rim above the creek north of Sisters, said the creek was roaring through the canyon.

"It looks like the Deschutes River down there," he said.

The City of Sisters put out a pile of sand, shovels and sand bags for anyone who wanted to build flood barriers around their homes.

City of Sisters Public Works Director Paul Bertagna reported that Sisters weathered the storm.

"We had some debris caught up under the Elm Street bridge, but it washed through," he said.

The rain gauge at Three Creek Meadow reportedly recorded 3.8 inches of rain.

Soggy Sisters Country will have a chance to dry out for a couple of days, but more rain is expected to arrive Tuesday night, continuing through Christmas Eve. There is a slight chance of snow predicted for Christmas Day.