Washout 1157585 193140516 2008-02-21T22:52:10Z Alan Liefting 36352 rm [[Category:Environmental issues]] {{otheruses}} A '''washout''' is the sudden [[erosion]] of soft surfaces by a gush of water usually occurring during a heavy downpour of rain or [[floods|flooding]]. ==Effect on road and rail transport== [[Image:Washout on the RGN.jpg|thumb|200px|A washout occurred on the [[Riverside and Great Northern Railway]] in [[Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin]], on [[June 11]] [[2004]].]] In road and [[rail transport]], a washout is the result of a natural disaster where the roadbed is eroded away by flowing water, usually as the result of a [[flood]]. When a washout destroys a railroad's [[right-of-way (railroad)|right-of-way]], the [[rail tracks|track]] is sometimes left suspended in midair across the newly formed gap, or it dips down into a ditch. the phenomenon is discussed in more detail under [[erosion]]. [[Category:Flood]] [[Category:Weather hazards]] [[Category:Water]] [[Category:Hydrology]]