2022

2022 History

Bonaparte Lake Rd Flash Flood - June 3, 2022
Conconully Flood, July 4, 2022
July 4, 2022 Conconully Flood
Photos from 07/04/2022

DJI_0119        DJI_0144 - Copy
Conconully State Park                                                       North Fork Bridge
Brodway and Main         Conconully State Park
Broadway and Main                                                         Conconully State Park
North of Diversion         IMG_9475 - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy
North of the Diversion                                                      PUD
IMG_9567 - Copy - Copy       IMG_9605 - Copy - Copy - Copy

Conconully State Park                                                                                                                                              

Update:  July 4, 2022 at 10:30 PM


The road into Conconully has reopened, and asking for minimal traffic.

FS Road 38 does have a barricade up due to damage. 

Conconully State Park has been evacuated and the Park Service has placed the campers in various places.

There has been damage to property and at this time one house has been destroyed.
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The Road into Conconully is CLOSED due to Flash Flooding of the North Fork Salmon Creek.  Debris is blocked up on 2 bridges.  Okanogan County is fully aware of the situation and has Public Works, State Parks, Fire, Sheriff's Office, City of Conconully all working on it.  All persons in the Kerr Campground and Oriole Campground have all been contacted.  Traffic is only being allowed out of Conconully at this time.

There is also flooding on Elmway, the City of Okanogan Public Works is aware of the situation and working on it.

You should be aware of your surroundings at all times and stay away from bodies of water.


2022-08-04 Riverside Cutoff Fire


2022-08-04 Fire 6     2022-08-04 Fire 5  

                                                  2022-08-04 Fire 2
Photos:  August 4, 2022 Riverside Cutoff Fire 
Last updated 08/04/2022   
1:45 PM  

Forest Service and DNR are currently in mop up and the roadway restrictions have been lifted.

Please be aware and cautious of fire personnel and machinery in the area.

2022-08-04  1227
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Currently as of 10:45 AM today August 4, 2022 there is a fire burning in the triangle area between Conconully Rd and the Riverside Cutoff Rd.

They are requesting that persons stay clear of the area and out of the way.

Traffic control is being set up at the intersection of Riverside Cutoff Rd and Conconully Highway and the intersection of  Johnson Creek Rd. and Riverside Cutoff Rd.

Updates will be posted here as we receive them.
2022-08-04 1045
Lightning Strike Fires - August 25, 2022
Thursday, August 25, 2022  7:02 PM

As a lightning storm moved through the area this afternoon there were fires started due to those lightning strikes around Pateros, the Chiliwist, Leader Lake, Pogue Mountain, and the Oroville areas.  

Rain assisted with extinguishing the fires and they are being monitored.

This will be the last update unless things change.
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Thursday, August 25, 2022  6:16 PM

Rain has assisted with slowing the fires but they are still active.

Always be aware of your surroundings and Take Action if Needed.
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Thursday, August 25, 2022  5:31 PM

There are currently several fires burning in the area including the Chiliwist and Leader Lake area.

Local Fire Departments and DNR are on scene.

Okanogan County EM will update as more information becomes available.
Hailey Creek Rd Fire - August 30, 2022
Tuesday, August 30, 2022  2:56 PM

The fire on Hailey Creek Road is contained.

Persons are asked to remain clear of the area as fire equipment and personnel are still in the area.

This will be the last update unless conditions change.
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Tuesday, August 30, 2022  12:43 PM

There is a structure fire burning approximately 1.5 miles up Hailey Creek Road off State Route 155 and is spreading to the grass and trees. 

Persons in the area should be aware of their surroundings and take action if needed.

If you need to evacuate head towards State Route 155. 

Fire crews are on scene.
Leecher / Vintin Fire - September 27, 2022
                      2022-09-27 Revise photo of Vintin Fire
09/27/2022  This photo was take approximately 30 minutes after the fire started looking North.  No ground personnel on scene yet.
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09/28/2022  3:25 PM

FINAL UPDATE:

As of today, September 28, 2022 at 3:00 PM the Level 1 ADVISORY for the Leecher / Vintin Fire has been lifted. 

The Fire is in MOP UP Stage.

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09/27/2022  3:42 PM

There is a brush fire burning in the area of 188 Vintin Road, Carlton WA.  
Updates will be posted here when available.

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09/27/2022  8:34 PM


As of 9:00 PM tonight September 27, 2022 the Leecher / Vintin Road Fire, Level 2 will be reduced to a Level 1 Advisory.  

The fire is still active with some interior burning and is mostly contained.  

The fire is estimated to be 30 acres.

DNR personnel will be working on the fire throughout the night.

Okanogan County Emergency Management will remain in contact with units on the fire and provide updates to residents in the area if needed.
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09/27/2022  6:45 PM



The Leecher Fire is still active but forward progression has been stopped.

Level 2 is still active in the Vintin Leecher areas.  

DNR personnel will remain working on the fire throughout the night.

The next update will be at approximately 9:00 PM tonight.

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09/27/2022   6:00 PM

The Leecher Fire is currently estimated at 30 acres and still active.  It is located near 188 Vintin Road.  Fire Districts 3, 6, and 15 were dispatched to the fire along with Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and several aircraft. 

Ground personnel are making good progress in containment. 

Okanogan County Sheriff Deputies and fire personnel have notified the residents in the affected area of possible evacuations.

Currently still holding a level 2 in the Vintin and Leecher areas.

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9/27/2022   4:47 PM


A Level 2 (Be Ready) has been issued Vintin Road and the Leecher Canyon area.

For a Wildland Fire burning near 188 Vintin Road, Carlton

Persons should be aware of their surroundings and take action if needed.

You MUST be prepared to leave at a moments notice.

This may be the only notice you receive.

DO NOT wait for door to door notification, take action if needed.

Level 2 (BE READY) is being issued for Vintin Road and the Leecher Canyon area.

Benson Creek Fire - October 15, 2022
10/22/2022   8:45 PM

As of 8:00 PM, October 22, 2022 all evacuation levels that were in place for the Benson Creek Fire have been lifted.

Forward progression of the fire has been stopped and the fire is in mop-up stage.

The Local Fire District 6 has been released and the DNR will be monitoring the fire throughout the night.

Benson Creek Road remains CLOSED except to Benson Creek residents.

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10-22-2022 6:45 PM
Benson Creek Road closed at SR 153 except to Benson Creek Road residents.

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10-22-2022 4:34 PM

A wildland fire is burning near State Route 153 and Benson Creek Road.
Level 2 has been issued for that area.
Law Enforcement are notifying persons along Benson Creek and the Yellow Jacket area, some are being advised of a Level 3, Leave Now.
Inclement Weather - November 2022

12/4/2022  7:54 AM

Okanogan County Public Works is advising that many east/west roads are drifted CLOSED. 

If you are aware of a road that is prone to drifting it is more than likely drifted closed / impassable. 

DO NOT attempt to drive through a drift, Public Works cannot clear the roadway with stuck vehicles in the way. 

Public Works is currently working on clearing the east/west roads.
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11/30/2022 6:10 PM


The National Weather Service is predicting 20-30 mph winds out of the north for the Okanogan Valley, starting late tonight November 30, 2022, and into tomorrow, Thursday, December 1, 2022.

These winds along with the light fluffy snow that was recently received is likely to cause heavy drifting where drifts are prone and along the east/west roads throughout the Okanogan Valley, in the higher elevations, and the Cameron Lake Plateau.

DO NOT attempt to drive through a drift, Public Works cannot clear the roadway with stuck vehicles in the way. 

With the predicted winds and the low temperatures, the Wind Chill will be in the single digits or below.

Remember to check on your family, friends, neighbors and animals.


Here is a link to the National Weather Service webpage for the latest information Spokane, WA (weather.gov)


11-30-2022 weather
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11/29/2022    5:00 PM



With the Winter storm set to arrive tonight, November 29, 2022 through Wednesday afternoon, November 30, 2022, remember to check on your family, friends, and neighbors.  

Follow the link to view the predicted snow accumulations and related information https://www.weather.gov/otx/

If you see drifting snow DO NOT attempt to drive through it, Public Works cannot clear the roadway with vehicles stuck in the way.

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11/09/2022 6:13 AM
Last updated:  11/10/2022 at 4:55 PM

Omak Airport Rd is open as of today, November 10, 2022
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As of this evening, November 9, 2022, Okanogan County Public Works has cleared all roads that were drifted shut except

Omak Airport Road which is still drifted shut.

Roads affected on the Colville Reservation are:
 

Cameron Lake Loop Rd was open as of 4:00 PM today, November 9, 2022, but will most likely close due to drifting again. 
Cold Springs Rd - CLOSED 
Timentwa Rd - CLOSED 
Cameron Lake Rd - CLOSED south of Timentwa Rd.
 

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11/09/2022 4:33 PM
See below for a list of Road conditions.

Okanogan County Public Works is advising that many east-west roads on the Omak Flats are drifted closed, along with some roads in the Tonasket area. 

If you are aware of a road that is prone to drifting it is more than likely drifted closed. 

DO NOT attempt to drive through a drift, Public Works cannot clear the roadway with stuck vehicles in the way. 

Public Works is currently working on the north-south roads and assessing the east-west roads. 

The National Weather Service is advising the strong winds will last throughout today, Wednesday, November 9, 2022. 

Check with your local School District on delays and closures.

Roads conditions listed below (these will be updated as information is received):  
Roads listed are considered closed unless otherwise noted next to the road name.
If the road is listed as open, due to the winds continuing they may become drifted shut again.

Loomis Area:
The roads in the Town of Loomis are snowed in.

Omak Area:
Omak Airport Rd - drifted shut
Kermel Rd - passable
Ross Canyon Rd - passable
Epley Rd - passable
Hendricks Rd - passable
Miller Rd - passable with portions of the road down to one lane.
Nichols Rd - passable with portions of the road down to one lane.
Pogue Rd to Conconully Rd - drifted shut
Bide-a-wee Rd - Robinson Canyon to Greenacres down to one lane

Okanogan Area:
Fletcher Loop Rd - drifted shut
Cameron Lake Loop Rd - drifted shut
Cameron Lake from Little Goose South - drifted shut
Timentwa Rd - drifted shut
Cold Springs off of Columbia River Rd - drifted shut

Malott Area:
Hansen Rd - passable

Tonasket Area:
North Lemanasky Rd - drifted shut
Haygood Rd - drifted shut
Sinlahekin Rd - drifted shut
McLaughlin Canyon Rd - drifted shut


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Please see the Public Utility District #1 of Okanogan County Facebook page for information.
Website:  Okanogan County PUD

Due to the inclement weather happening in Okanogan County there have been reports of power outages throughout the County.

As of the 6:37 AM this morning Monday, November 7, 2022 the Okanogan County PUD has power outages scattered throughout the county as well as fiber outages. 

A few things to be aware of as everyone works through this weather:

1.) There are downed powerlines in various places - STAY AT LEAST 35 feet away and call the PUD at 509-422-3310 or call 911 if you see a downed powerline.  If you are not sure if it is a powerline assume it is energized and take precautions.

2.) The fiber outages are making it hard for the PUD to see all the power outages in the area on the digital system.  The PUD is asking the public to call and report outages to 509-422-3310 or 800-922-7011.

3.) Fiber is also hanging low in some areas, and large trucks can connect with them.  Please watch out and report and downed wires (it may not be obvious if the wire is electric or fiber).

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND TAKE ACTION IF NEEDED

If you need assistance for Nespelem Valley Electric, please call 509-634-4571
Website:  Nespelem Valley Electric
If you need assistance for Okanogan County Electric Co-Op, please call 509-996-2228 
Website:  Okanogan County Electric Co-Op
Extreme Cold Temperatures - December 2022
Updated  12/21/2022 
3:08 PM

You can follow the
 National Weather Service for up-to-date information
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Bide-a-wee Road is OPEN.  As of 3:11 PM

Glover Lane Rd to Conconully Rd is now open.  As of 12:51 PM
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11:25 AM

Glover Lane Rd to Conconully Rd is Impassable due to drifting snow.

8:55 AM

Bide-a-wee Road is CLOSED from Robinson Canyon to Greenacres due to poor visibility and drifting, but open from Greenacres to Duck Lake. 
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8:02 AM

Anyone traveling on US 97 between mileposts 269 and 273 may experience severe winds, drifting snow and poor visibility.  Maintenance crews are on scene and motorists should reduce their speed to 35 mph and expect 20 minute delays.

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Updated
12-20-2022  1:21 PM

Public Works has advised that the Omak Airport Road is closed due to drifting snow.

Maintenance US 97 both directions 

On US 97 between milepost 269 and 273 (Brewster to Okanogan), Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., expect traffic controlled by automatic flagger assistance device (AFAD) and delays up to 20 minutes where a blower will be removing snow from the highway. DO NOT attempt to pass the AFAD device or maintenance vehicles clearing the highway.  This work was rescheduled due to weather.

Map Location


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12/20/2022

If you think it's cold now, it's about to be much colder.  The next few days could be challenging to some.

The National Weather Service is calling for even colder temps over the next 5 days, with the coldest temperatures Wednesday evening, December 21, 2022 into Friday, December 23, 2022.

A few reminders as the temps drop to the single digits for the daytime highs and below zero for the overnight lows.

    * Run a small amount of water in your faucets to prevent your pipes from freezing.
    * If you have to be outdoors, cover exposed skin, and limit your time outside.
    * Protect your outdoor pets and livestock.
    
Be sure to check on your family, friends, neighbors, and pets.

You can follow the National Weather Service  for up to date information


For those that plan on travelling State Route 97, tomorrow, Tuesday, December 20, 2022 be advised

Maintenance US 97 both directions 

On US 97 between milepost 269 and 273 (Brewster to Okanogan), Tuesday only from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., expect traffic controlled by automatic flagger assistance device (AFAD) and delays up to 20 minutes where a blower will be removing snow from the highway. Do not attempt to pass the AFAD device or maintenance vehicles clearing the highway.

Map Location

 High - Low Temps       WindChill outlook  

5 Day Forecast