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It's time to start thinking ahead to snow season

During the winter months, Chelan County Public Works crews are focused on keeping roads clear of snow and ice for the safety of travelers.

But there are three common misconceptions about the County’s snow removal process that seem to hit with every first snowfall.

MISCONCEPTION No. 1: When the snow flies, county crews plow around the clock

While county road crews monitor weather and road conditions seven days a week during the winter, crews are not plowing 24 hours a day. To do so would be too costly.

Most days, crews begin plowing in the early morning hours and end in the late afternoon (to ensure school bus routes are cleared). In fact, unless contacted by emergency responders or the sheriff’s office, crews do not plow or sand at night.

In addition, while county maintenance district crews are fully staffed during the week, they are often only staffed at one to two employees on weekends. So it may take longer for some roads to be cleared on the weekend.

MISCONCEPTION No. 2: If it’s a county road, the county plows it

Chelan County makes every effort to maintain roadway access during the winter; however, it’s not possible to plow all roadways during every storm event.

The county has many primitive roads. These include dead end roads that don’t have a place for plows to turn around or even roads that are inaccessible to snow plows during the winter. The county has no budget to increase its primitive road winter maintenance.

Snow- and ice-control efforts are prioritized to assure vital access is maintained throughout the county. That means school bus routes and major arterials are top priorities during a snow event. Local access roads are plowed only after these roads.

Be aware of what type of county road you live on. If you need clarification, call the Public Works office. Check out high priority snow plowing routes or the Code of the West, both of which are on the Public Works website.

MISCONCEPTION No. 3: My road is covered in ice -- I need to call my local district

County crews closely monitor weather conditions and road conditions on a day-to-day basis (sometimes hour-by-hour) during the winter months. That means they are not in the shop office but out on the road doing snow and ice control.

If you need to call between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on a weekday, call the Chelan County Public Works main office at 667-6415. Or, you can report a problem on the service request page. Public works crews work closely with RiverCom and the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, so if notified by these agencies of a slick or impassable road, our crews are on it.

More importantly, if your County road is impassable, play it safe by keeping off the roads. More details about our snow removal policies are available online. 

Last Updated: 08/24/2021 09:03 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 26
    Apr 2024
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 24
    Apr 2024
    06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - April 24th, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 24
    Apr 2024
    07:00 PM - 08:00 PM

    Assessor's Office Community Meeting: Entiat and North Wenatchee

    Posted by: Chelan County Assessor

    Chelan County Assessor Wes Cornelius invites property owners and all interested parties to attend one of four community meetings scheduled this spring throughout the county.

    Wenatchee Valley Fire Station No. 11
  • 23
    Apr 2024
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Special Election Day - Manson Parks & Recreation District voters only

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Election Day

  • 15
    Apr 2024
    08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Registration in person at our office

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Registration Deadline in person at our office.