Public Works

Public Works Blog

Snow removal policies apply even in an emergency

Posted On: January 19, 2022

Weekend county snowplow operations differ from weekday operations

Chelan County is clarifying its snow removal policies with the public after receiving calls from frustrated citizens who were not prepared for the significant snow levels the area received overnight on Jan. 6.

“For some of us, we are seeing record-breaking snow levels that we have never experienced in our lifetimes,” Chelan County Commissioner Bob Bugert said. “Living in a remote, rural area has its inherit risks, and while we are seeing most residents were prepared to shelter in place with food and supplies, they were not prepared to remove such large amounts of snow from their driveways and access points.”

Since the Jan. 6 snowstorm, county road crews have been clearing roads and widening roadways, intersections, cul de sacs and school bus turnarounds in the unincorporated areas. Much of the county’s manpower and equipment has been utilized in the Upper Valley, where county crews reported seeing as much as 5 feet of snow in areas near Lake Wenatchee.

Unfortunately, the county cannot divert its road crews from public roadways to private property, or U.S. Forest Service or private roads. It is not only a gifting of public funds, but county resources are needed to continue to address the public roadways, said Eric Pierson, County Engineer/Director of Chelan County Public Works.

“Our priority early on was to get roadways open to at least one lane so emergency responders and citizens living off our county roads would be able to travel the county road,” Pierson said. “A week later, our priority is still to continue to improve that access by clearing additional width for emergency responders, citizens and school bus routes.”

Emergency Management (EM) and the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office also have been working together to provide welfare checks on citizens when they receive calls. Most callers report having adequate food, water and power, said Rich Magnussen, EM specialist. Several callers are seeking help with private snow removal, which the county does not provide, he said.

In response, EM has compiled a list of private snow removal resources for the public. It is available HERE.

In addition, if people are unable to stay in their homes for reasons such as collapsed roofs or lack of power, the American Red Cross also is on standby to assist with shelter, Magnussen said. However, EM has received no such requests as of yet, he added.

The city of Leavenworth called on the National Guard to assist with welfare checks on people who live in the city limits. In some cases, the National Guard is also helping city residents with clearing paths from their homes to city roads.

“Chelan County did not feel the need to call on the National Guard for assistance because we have the county resources to clear our county roadways and provide those welfare checks in the unincorporated areas when needed,” Bugert said.

If you know someone in need of a welfare check because you are worried their lives are in danger, call RiverCom on its business line at 663-9911. If you are in an emergency, call 911.


Older Articles

Weekend county snowplow operations differ from weekday operations

Posted On: December 20, 2023

Weekend county snowplow operations differ from weekday operations

On the weekends, our five road districts each have one operator working. That operator is going to be focused on main arterials, or those Priority 1 r...

Read More arrow_forward

Passion for ‘big trucks’ drives O’Brien’s career with Public Works

Posted On: March 30, 2023

Passion for ‘big trucks’ drives O’Brien’s career with Public Works

A long-time passion for big trucks steered Donna O’Brien to Chelan County Public Works 14 years ago. While O’Brien is not the first woman at Chelan Co...

Read More arrow_forward

Weight restrictions: They are coming, so be ready!

Posted On: February 08, 2023


Weight restrictions: They are coming, so be ready!

It’s that time of the year again, when the warming temps may bring temporary weight restrictions on county roads. While we don’t have any restrictions...

Read More arrow_forward

Post-wildfire safety measures being put in place near 25-Mile Creek

Posted On: November 22, 2021

Post-wildfire safety measures being put in place near 25-Mile Creek

While the wildland firefighters are now gone, that doesn’t mean work on the Twenty-Five Mile Fire is over. Chelan County has been not only evaluating ...

Read More arrow_forward

GIS tech creates emergency incidents map for wildfire response

Posted On: October 01, 2021

GIS tech creates emergency incidents map for wildfire response

Chelan County Public Works GIS technician Lori Beidler will be honored in October by the Washington Chapter of the American Public Works Association f...

Read More arrow_forward

CCPW operators respond to cyclist in need of help

Posted On: April 12, 2021


CCPW operators respond to cyclist in need of help

Chelan County Public Works operators Earl Griffith and Curtis McClellan were in the right place at the right time when they came upon a stranded bicyc...

Read More arrow_forward

2021 shaping up to be a busy construction year

Posted On: April 05, 2021


2021 shaping up to be a busy construction year

2021 is shaping up to be an active construction year for Chelan County Public Works. We are headed into the second year of the largest construction pr...

Read More arrow_forward

With river construction comes underwater sound monitoring

Posted On: August 12, 2020

With river construction comes underwater sound monitoring

At the West Cashmere Bridge replacement project, you might get the chance to see an “acoustician” on site when the contractor is driving steel pilings...

Read More arrow_forward

In-water work begins July 15 on West Cashmere Bridge project

Posted On: July 13, 2020

In-water work begins July 15 on West Cashmere Bridge project

With in-water construction related to the West Cashmere Bridge replacement project scheduled to begin July 15, Chelan County reminds recreationists on...

Read More arrow_forward

Will the chip sealing crew be in your area this summer?

Posted On: June 15, 2020

Will the chip sealing crew be in your area this summer?

This year, the county road crew starts chip sealing the week of June 22. Do you know if they'll be on your street?...

Read More arrow_forward

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 08
    Nov 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
  • 06
    Nov 2024
    09:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Hearing Examiner - November 6, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    Chelan County Administrative Building or via zooom
  • 05
    Nov 2024
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Election Day

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Election Day

    Please see Ballot Drop Locations
  • 31
    Oct 2024
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Second Half Property Tax Deadline

    Posted by: Chelan County Treasurer

    Second half property tax deadline

  • 29
    Oct 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.