A washout detector apparatus includes a detector member movably disposed in at least a portion of a detector housing, the detector housing is configured to be secured to a structure. A biasing device is disposed in and positioned to bias the detector member in a direction out from the portion of the detector housing towards a surface perpendicular to the structure. An indicator is coupled to the detector member to provide a condition of the surface based on movement of the detector member with respect to the surface. A method for making a washout detector apparatus is also disclosed.