South Lakeshore Road Closed Near Bus Monument Due to Rockslide

information released by WSDOT 

Here’s the deal. We have something of a rocky relationship with SR 971 South Lakeshore Road at milepost 11 on Lake Chelan. We mean that literally. Early in the morning on March 3, a rockslide closed this part of the road. It’s a known problem spot for rocks, and our crews patrol that section of road with a plow year round to push rock off the road.

Just when we thought we had smoothed things out, a substantial second slide came down on Monday night, and rocks have continued to fall like unresolved issues ever since. The slide is estimated to be between 1,200-1,400 yards of material, including boulders too big to move without breaking down.

On top of that, there are also several exposed rocks between 50-60 ft. up on the slope that could come down at any time – talk about emotional baggage.

Our geotechnical team has been onsite and is currently working on a plan, including finding the right equipment for the job. For now, the road will remain closed between Lake Chelan State Park and the intersection of Scenic Ranch Lane with a detour on SR 971 Navarre Coulee Road.

Story originally reported on 3/3/25:

A rockslide on State Route 971/South Lakeshore Road has closed the road between Lake Chelan State Park (milepost 9.1), and the intersection of Scenic Ranch Lane (milepost 11.5), west of the junction of US 97 A near Chelan.

The road was closed just after 3 a.m. on Monday, March 3, after the report of a rockslide at milepost 11. Rock and debris have filled the catchment basin at this location and spilled out into the lanes of the road. Additionally, several large rocks are exposed approximately 50-60 feet above the roadway. The location of these rocks is out of reach for maintenance equipment, and they are a hazard to the road below. A geotechnical team has been dispatched to review conditions.

There is currently no estimated time to reopen. Local traffic should detour on SR 971 Navarre Coulee Road. Updates will be shared when available. For the safety of the public, crews, and first responders, do not attempt to go around closure points.