Most read stories on Columbian.com, week of Oct. 23

Most read stories on Columbian.com last week:

No. 1) Live Blogging Condit Dam breach

10:30 a.m.: A Washington State Patrol car, lights flashing, stood by as a trooper locked up Highway 141 at the mouth of the White Salmon River, where a road closure was scheduled to remain in place until 2 p.m. Members of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission patrolled the river’s mouth, and a PacifiCorp helicopter swept up and down the lower canyon searching for trespassers.

No. 2) Condit Dam to be breached Wednesday

PacifiCorp is taking no chances as it makes final plans for the historic breaching of Condit Dam on Wednesday, and state, federal and tribal officials will be working overtime to prevent mishaps as the White Salmon River bursts through a 12-foot-by-18-foot tunnel.

No. 3) Condit Dam reservoir’s behavior murky after breach

One day after the breaching of Condit Dam, the former reservoir behind the dam continued to offer a fascinating case study in how quickly an altered landscape can revert to its original form.

No. 4) Cross-dressing teacher fills in at Wy’east Middle School

Parents of some Vancouver sixth graders are worried about what to tell their kids after a male substitute teacher showed up at school this week in women’s clothing.

No. 5) Breaching of dam unleashes flood of water, emotions

Davis Washines watched in awe, then bowed his head. He wiped tears from his eyes. The sight of the White Salmon River rushing freely through the base of Condit Dam — released for the first time in 98 years Wednesday by a ground-shaking detonation of 700 pounds of dynamite — set off a rush of emotion for Washines and dozens of others watching on a live video feed, just a short walk from the blast site.