Flooding and landslides have left communities along upper Lake Chelan dealing with major damage, nearly a year after wildfire weakened hillsides in the area. A town only accessible by boat has left some people cut off.
On Saturday afternoon Chelan County Sheriff’s Office issued an evacuation order for Stehekin, Wash., a remote community home to about 80 people. The department recommends for those who have access to Purple Point to take the 1:30 ferry on Saturday or Sunday.
On Friday the National Weather Service released a special weather statement for the Cascades, including the Stehekin area. Heavy rains are predicted for Monday, and Tuesday leading there is an increased risk for mudslides near burn scars, creeks and drainages are expected to rise. Several rounds of heavy mountain snow and windy conditions may arrive by Wednesday and continue through the week.
Right now, some of them cannot reach boat landings because of debris and washed-out roads. Some groups are isolated, however most are equipped with enough resources to get by for a long time, said Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison. Still, he said, some people do need assistance.
Morrison said he is concerned about how the resort town will recover.
“It’s in disarray. I mean everything we forecasted last year at the end of the Pioneer Fire, the destabilization of hillsides has come to fruition,” said Morrison.
An early December atmospheric river brought more than four inches of rain within 48 hours in Stehekin, according to the National Weather Service. That caused mud and debris slides, and flooding that blocked Stehekin Valley Road in multiple locations. The sheriff’s office reports the slides destroyed the National Park Service water treatment facility serving the village, leaving residents with no fresh water.
County crews and law enforcement are currently assessing the damage and plan to send up to 10 days worth of bottled water to people in the area before yet another wave of intense weather is expected. Officials plan to use a helicopter to further assess damage in hard-to-reach areas.
Stehekin Valley Road is impassable beyond the lakefront due to mudslides and debris, though boats are still able to dock and unload supplies along Lake Chelan
“They’re locked in. That’s a 12-mile road, only way in and it’s been compromised in several places. First one, milepost four with a massive landslide,” said Morrison.
The impacts extend beyond Stehekin to Railroad Creek, Holden Village, the Holden Mine and Rio Tinto, all of which rely on the damaged access road.
No major injuries or fatalities have been reported, according to Sgt. Jason Reinfeld with Chelan County Emergency Management.
“There’s probably four households with about eight people who are right now isolated. They can’t move anywhere outside of their properties, their concern right now is fuel for their generators,” said Reinfeld.
Chelan County Emergency Management is currently working to send in fuel for their generators. There are other groups that are isolated but are able to walk up and down the valley to get what they need to resupply.
Holden Village community is closed and will evacuate due to the danger of mudslides and avalanche risks. All villagers are safe at this time. There are about 53 people staffed there. The only road connecting Holden Village with the boat dock at Lucerne is impassable. According to a press release by the village, construction work cannot safely start until spring 2026.
The flooding follows last year’s Pioneer Fire, which burned nearly 40,000 acres along hillsides above Stehekin, leaving the area vulnerable to mudslides. Sheriff Mike Morrison said post-fire conditions contributed to the severity of debris flows.
Debris from Stehekin and Railroad Creek, including large logs, has collected near docks and boat landings, creating hazards for boats. Morrison warned submerged debris can damage engines and propellers and has caused damage to some docks.
On Saturday, the sheriff’s office Air Support Unit is set to fly into the area to deliver supplies.
"I feel for them. That's two years in a row now. Major fire, now flooding. I mean, they're tough individuals, but even they need a break."Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison
Morrison said his agency is focusing on the Stehekin area and other remote areas nearby as Chelan County Emergency Management is working by Lake Wenatchee, Leavenworth and Cashmere.
“I feel for them. That's two years in a row now. Major fire, now flooding. I mean, they're tough individuals, but even they need a break. Yeah, they don't ask a lot from us. And at times like this, I think it's important for us as a county government to step up and assist where we can. The sheriff's office is gonna do that.” said Morrison.
There is unknown timeframe for when roadways and power will be fully restored in Stehekin Valley, according to Reinfeld.
Reneé Diaz may be contacted at [email protected]. Collaborative reporting by The Wenatchee World, NWPB and Murrow College of Communication Newsroom Fellowship.
