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Contact: Ken Hires, 360-854-7366 ext. 13 Contact: Meghan Barrier
Sedro Woolley, WA – September 4, 2013 – A large and powerful storm cell triggered a massive mud and rock slide in the community of Stehekin Thursday night. Many vehicles in the long term parking area and at the mouth of Imus Creek were buried. Businesses affected were Discovery Bikes and Stehekin Reservations and Fly Fishing Shop. Most of the bicycles were damaged or washed into Lake Chelan and the log cabin office for fly fishing and reservations was surrounded by mud and rocks. An historic NPS storage shed at the Imus Cabin was filled with water and mud, the storage shed at the Lake House was damaged, and mud encroached on the public laundry building. Gas is currently turned off to that area to reduce the potential for fire. There were no injuries. National Park employees, assisted by local residents, are clearing the road and currently it is partially open for shuttle service and the public. Assessment of the work needed to recover the damaged vehicles and to stabilize the slide debris is currently underway. Bicycle rentals are temporarily suspended, shuttle buses are operating as passage through the site is allowed. NPS boats have been shuttling people around the slide area to ensure pedestrian safety. The Imus Trail is closed to public use pending a safety assessment, trail repair and bridge replacement. For information, contact Ken Hires, Stehekin District Interpreter or Meghan Barrier, Park Ranger at (360) 854-7365 ext 13. |
Last updated: February 28, 2015