Project preliminarily awarded a $1.3 million FEMA grant
Information released by the Chelan County Flood Control Zone District (FCZD); LCN file photos from mudslides in July and September 2019
The June 2020 issue of the Chelan County Flood Control Zone District newsletter identifies two Lake Chelan area projects scheduled for 2020 and 2021. The first is a solution to fire related impacts along Antoine Creek, which will be aided by a $180,000 FEMA grant. The second is the construction of a bridge-like structure to reduce impacts from landslides/debris flow coming off the hill onto the road.
On South Lakeshore Road, the FCZD proposes removing the existing roadway and culvert at the tumultuous Slide Ridge and constructing a bridge over the earthen channel to allow mud and debris flows to freely pass under — not over — the roadway.
A bridge-like structure would reduce the risk of damage to life and property and ensure a year-round, continuous corridor for the community that surrounds Lake Chelan.
For decades, rainstorms have resulted in catestrophic debris flows from Slide Ridge. Since 2003, Slide Ridge has had 10 debris flows at a cost of about $1 million to the county. Most recently, in 2019, two landslides occurred within two months of one another. Following removal of the material at the site in 2019, a contractor also re-shaped and graded the two channels at the site in preparation for the upcoming construction.
The Slide Ridge project was preliminarily awarded a $1.3 million FEMA grant.
