Vital community infrastructure washed away
by Dennis Rahm
The community of Stehekin has always been known as a somewhat isolated area, but a major storm that swept through the area on Thursday causing major damage, has isolated the community and its residents even more.
Flood and debris flows have wiped out the Stehekin sewage treatment plant, cut off power, damaged a number of buildings and made roads in the area impassable. The damage is devastating and now the hard work of recovery begins.
The storm has also impacted access to Holden Village as the road from Lucerne to Holden is impassable.
Chelan County Emergency Management has been assessing the damage and it is apparent that county, state and federal assistance will be needed to aid in recovery.
Friday morning, the Lake Chelan Boat Company reports they are utilizing their barge to transport water and other essential items to Stehekin, but regular ferry service runs have been suspended. At this time there is no access to the Landing by boat.
Recovery from a storm of this magnitude will take a tremendous amount of resources and a considerable amount of time. Primary concerns are the restoration of power, assuring residents of safe drinking water and providing access to food and other necessary supplies. It could also be a race against Mother Nature as efforts will be made to open roads and the Landing before winter snow hits the area.
Long time journalist and Chelan resident Jerry Isenhart spoke to a Stehekin resident on Thursday night and provided the following report and photos. Isenhart operates Lake Chelan Cams which includes the popular Stehekin cam located at the Landing. The camera is currently offline due to the power outage.
A report by Jerry Isenhart
