Stehekin gets hit hard with slides, power outages

Sheriff Mike Morrison reports from the evening of December10th and through the day on December 11th, Stehekin, WA sustained substantial damage from mud and debris slides due to storms in the area. These problems were complicated by flooding that occurred during the same time.

Debris slides have blocked Stehekin Valley Road in several locations and have knocked out power to a large portion of the valley. The National Park Service water treatment facility in Stehekin was also destroyed.

Chelan County Sheriff’s Office responded to Stehekin on December 11th with a boat to assess damages. It is expected drinking water may become limited and the Sheriff’s Office has 7-10 days-worth of bottled water enroute.

On December 12th as more reports come in, we have determined there are isolated groups of residents who are unable to travel up and down the valley. Most of these isolated groups are equipped to stay for a long period of time, however some assistance is needed. On Saturday, the Sheriff’s Air Support Unit will be flying a mission into the area to deliver supplies to one of
these isolated groups.

There is an unknown timeframe for when roadways and power will be fully restored in the Stehekin Valley.