The flood lost to time

On July 30, 1931, a narrow but violent storm triggered catastrophic flooding in the Palouse region of Washington, with water surging up to 12 feet high. The Cochrane family's home was among the most affected, as they were swept away by the floodwaters, with Mrs. Cochrane sustaining serious injuries after being thrown into a willow tree. The storm predominantly impacted Union Flat Creek, where families reported escaping on horseback through deep waters. The area experienced significant debris deposition, including large rocks at the Odell schoolhouse.

Affected locations spanned a concentrated five-square-mile area, while moderate rain fell in nearby Pullman and Moscow without flooding. Despite the dramatic nature of the storm, no lives were lost, highlighting the fortunate outcome amid extensive damage. Historical records lack photographs of the flooding, as technology was limited in 1931. This event underscores the ongoing risks posed by severe weather patterns in rural regions.