Nile Valley HWY 410 Landslide Update/OCT. 30-NOV.1st ,2009

Nile Valley HWY 410 Landslide Update

Naches, WASH- OCT. 30-NOV.1st ,2009

Nile Community Meeting

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  Thursday November 5th at 5:30 there will be a community update meeting at the Nile Community Church.


• Enjoy Trunk-o-Treating tonight 6:00 PM-7:30 PM!

Office of Emergency Management

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Helga in our office is short one “estimated economic impact for business” worksheet. If she gets one more she can forward them to the State. Once at the State it could mean low interest business loans for area commerce to assist them with the financial impact of the landslide. If you apply, you are not committed to take anything. Helga may be reached at 509-574-1920.

National Weather Service in Pendleton

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The request from the National Weather Service in Pendleton is to post their two main office numbers on the web site. The weather office is staffed 24 hrs/ day and anyone who answers the phone can provide forecast information.
541-276-7832, or 541-276-4493
Tonight, a cold front will be moving onto the coast with the East Slopes still in the warm sector. We are expecting precipitation to increase overnight ahead and along the front with the heaviest precipitation expected from about midnight through Saturday noontime. The front is expected to be through the area by Saturday afternoon, with the precipitation tapering off to showers instead of steady rain. Some showers will continue Saturday night and Sunday...mainly along the crest. With the warming air moving in last night, the snow that fell has melted with rises seen on the Naches and tributaries. These rising are expected through late this afternoon with the gage at Cliffdell reaching about 550 cfs, then steady or drop back a bit overnight and then rise to about 650 cfs by late Saturday and slowly fall back to around 400 cfs by late Sunday.


WSDOT

Crews working seven days a week to build SR 410 temporary detour by Thanksgiving.
WSDOT and contractor crews continue work on the SR 410 winter-durable temporary detours using the five-mile Nile Loop Road.
Crews are working seven days a week, 14 hours a day, to build a 4,000 foot section of the detour across the valley away from the river and landslide. Crews are not paving the western three miles of the detour on the Nile Loop Road due to weather. WSDOT hopes to have the temporary detour open to all drivers by Thanksgiving.
The current SR 410 emergency access route on Nile Loop Road detours around the closed four-mile section of SR 410 between mileposts 104 and 108. WSDOT will keep Chinook Pass open until heavy snows create unavoidable avalanche danger.
For transportation related updates, call our project hotline: (509) 577-1635. For other matters, please contact Yakima County at (509) 574-1900.

Conditions:State Route 410 is open with detour between milepost 104 to milepost 108. The emergency detour route has been opened to all drivers, and is a rough, gravel-surfaced road. Crews continue work on portions of the detour and drivers on this emergency route could experience long delays due to construction activities. WSDOT could close the roadway for the safety of drivers at anytime. Information updates are available at 509-577-1635 or 5 1 1.Weather:Overcast with light rain, road is bare & wet

Informational Websites that are potentially pertinent to you: There is a lot of information out there. Please take a look and see if any applies to you.

WSDOT Website with road and slide information
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/23-WSDOT+begins+building+SR+410+detour.htm

Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management Blog KR Catlin is updating this daily
http://www.yak-oem.blogspot.com/

NOAA National Weather Forecast for 8 miles east of Cliffdell.
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=46.86394700508323&lon=-120.95947265625&site=pdt&smap=1&marine=1&unit=0&lg=en

NOAA (Weather Service) river gauge at Cliffdel
http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?CLFW1

WA State Emergency Management Personal, Family, and Pet Preparedness Information http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/prep_personal_preparedness.shtml
Generators:
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/fswy24.pdf
http://www.cpsc.gov/generator.html (web page, not printable flyer)
Power outage web site (multiple topics):
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/poweroutage/needtoknow.asp
CO poisoning after an emergency web site:
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/cofacts.asp
Kerosene heaters:
http://nasdonline.org/document/1098/d000884/unvented-portable-kerosene-heaters-safety-considerations.html (has a 3 page handout)
State EMD publications web site:
http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/prep_infohouse.shtml
http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/documents/piy_water.pdf (good water flyer)

Hwy 410 Chinook Pass Briefing -OCT. 29th, 2009

Hwy 410 Chinook Pass Briefing -

Naches, WASH-OCT. 29th, 2009

There is a rumor up here that the slide has moved 42 this week . Any truth to this? No . According to DOT officials this afternoon there has been some minor rock falls on the upper end of the slide but they have no evidence of any movement. See DOT Report below for additional information.
Yakima County Public Services
Rock continues to be hauled for the future armoring of the Lower Nile Road Bridge and Flood Structures that are being built. A contract has been executed to remove a barn and other buildings that remain in the flood way and or new channel. The wells left from the removal of homes are being decommissioned. A fence is being installed on the Flood Berm built by the Corps of Engineers for safety. There will also be a fence installed on the west side of the channel. These fences are for your safety so please respect them. Public Services is working hard to get ahead of the coming high water.

WSDOT

Road construction continues on the More Durable Road. WSDPT Brad White advises they have encountered some soft spots but are working around them. Brad also advised they have the Ground Probing Radar in place and the data acquired so far indicates there has been no movement of the slide sense Saturday when it was installed. A feature not yet installed because of technical issues is the radar will be capable of alerting officials if it sees any movement day or night. The WSDOT will begin drilling on the slide itself in the coming weeks to gather information on what happened and what the future will bring.

Cell Coverage
We have not received an update on the Cell Coverage today. We talked to Todd Krienke late yesterday 5:30 or so and from what he said they were going to try to get their service at the Woodshed on line today. As of this afternoon nothing has been done.

Heavy Equipment Behind the Barricade
No new information on this issue. The Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management has received reports today of activity behind the barricade. After investigating it we found out the Simmons’s family had crossed the barricade to salvage materials from their rock quarry. Family members stated that had received the proper permits to re-enter the area and were told their doing so would not endanger the slide area.

Response Agencies War-game Worst Case Scenario for Nile Valley

In the aftermath of the Highway 410 Landslide in Nile Valley 12 agencies met to conduct a table top exercise on what could happen if the Nile Valley was cut off for an extended period of time.
*A cadre of 12 agencies made up of public and private entities met to brainstorm the possible problems that could arise in the Nile Valley this winter if it was cut off as a result of complications from the OCT. 11th landslide. The meeting was held at the Yakima County Public Service Facility on 18th Street.

*Various scenarios that could arise were addressed as well as which specific roles the numerous agencies would fill if an emergency arose.

*One re-occurring theme brought up in the session was the need for the local residents to be ready for the 30-40 days of possible isolation in the Nile Valley. All agencies echoed the same message that all their planning will only achieve half of the needed results if the local residents of the Nile Valley are not prepared.

*The agencies and private companies included 211-People For People, ALS Ambulance , Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management, Yakima Sheriff’s Department, Washington State Department of Transportation, US Forest Service, Yakima Co. GIS, Yakima Co. Surface Water, Yakima Co. Public Services, Nile Valley CERT, Nile/ Cliffdell Fire Department, Washington State Department of Emergency Management.

Informational Websites that are potentially pertinent to you: There is a lot of information out there. Please take a look and see if any applies to you.

WSDOT Website with road and slide information
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/10/23-WSDOT+begins+building+SR+410+detour.htm

Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management Blog KR Catlin is updating this daily
http://www.yak-oem.blogspot.com/

NOAA National Weather Forecast for 8 miles east of Cliffdell.
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=46.86394700508323&lon=-120.95947265625&site=pdt&smap=1&marine=1&unit=0&lg=en

NOAA (Weather Service) river gauge at Cliffdel
http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?CLFW1

WA State Emergency Management Personal, Family, and Pet Preparedness Information http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/prep_personal_preparedness.shtml

OCT. 28 2009-Hwy 410 Nile Valley Update

Now that the road is open things are starting to get back to normal. Please do not become complacent about the potential to be isolated this winter!
OCT. 28 2009
Chinook Pass SR410/

Conditions:State Route 410 is open with detour between milepost 104, to milepost 108, due to a landslide in the area. The emergency detour route has been opened to all drivers, and is a rough, gravel-surfaced road. Crews continue work on portions of the detour and drivers on this emergency route could experience long delays due to construction activities. WSDOT could close the roadway for the safety of drivers at anytime. Information updates are available at or 5 1 1.

Cell Coverage
Verizon Wireless has removed their Cell On Wheels (COW) as of this morning. This has created some issues with the construction work on the More Durable Road and the River Channel . US Cellular is working hard to get theirs up and running Todd Krienke advise he will have six trucks in the area working to get their work done today. They are still waiting for the T-1 Connection so no specific time to activation yet.

Medications
It would be wise to make sure to have at least a five day supply of medication in your vehicle if you drive out of the Nile Valley. If the worst happens and the Valley is cut off you could find yourself without the medications you stock piled at home. A five day supply would give you time to contact the doctor and the pharmacists to re-order more medications.

Heavy Equipment Behind the Barricade
The Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management has received reports today of activity behind the barricade. After investigating it we found out the Simmons’s family had crossed the barricade to salvage materials from their rock quarry. Family members stated that had received the proper permits to re-enter the area and were told their doing so would not endanger the slide area.


NWS Pendleton, OR-Point Forecast: 11 Miles SE Cliffdell -Wednesday Night: A chance of rain showers before 11pm, then a chance of rain and snow showers. Snow level 3300 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.Thursday: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 45. South southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Thursday Night: Rain likely before 11pm, then rain and snow likely. Snow level 4800 feet lowering to 3600 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.

We are striving for a Disaster resilient community. From what I have seen so far we are getting there. Keep up the good work.

HELPFUL WEBSITES FOR LATEST HWY410 LANDSLIDE RELATED INFO · To view the latest river stages and forecasts, select from left hand menu, River and Lakes AHPS or follow link below. · http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=pdt Either click on Cliffdell Icon or select from drop down menu. Shows the latest river stage data and forecast/trend out 7 days. To view graphical forecasts including amount of precipitation expected and possible amount of snow. From left hand menu, select "Weather Forecasts" and click on region of interest. The amount of precipitation expected is under "QPF" and is included out 72 hours. · To view precipitation received at differing stations, from the main NWS Pendleton Web page www.wrh.noaa.gov/pdt Select Observations and then you can use the clickable Mesonet map site to view locations.
The Northwest River Forecast Center Web page http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/ Can see at a glance, with colored icons, sites that are approaching action or warning stages. You can also use this site to see current and forecast river conditions as well as the hydrological discussion, and other features. · http://www.yak-oem.blogspot.com/ , or Yakima County Hot line (509) 574-1900 · WSDOT Transportation Hot line (509- 577-1635) and SR 410 Landslide Web Page www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/SR410/Landslide For State Road conditions call 511

HWY 410 Landslide Update OCT. 26, 2009

HWY 410 Landslide Update- OCT. 26, 2009

Naches, WASH-

Nile Fire
· Nile fire reports they may have a slower Fire and EMS response because of the road detour. With the potential of a power outage the Fire Department wants everyone to pay attention to Carbon Monoxide poisoning from generators or stoves.

· Everyone needs a fire safety plan in place for their homes.

· Prepare now. Top off fuel, tanks propane, make sure your generator works, be prepared!

Power Outage Safety
There are some things we can’t control – like severe weather, accidents and other unpredictable situations. Your safety during a power outage – and at all times – is important to us.

Read on to find out more about how to stay safe during power outages.

In the house
· Never use kerosene or propane heaters inside without proper ventilation. They create dangerous fumes. Also, don’t use charcoal in your house or garage.

· Preserve body heat by wearing multiple layers of clothing. Add a hat and blankets to stay warm. Blankets and towels around your windows and doors help keep the heat in.

· Protect you pipes during freezing weather by wrapping them with insulation. Also, leave faucets dripping so water won’t freeze and crack the pipes.

· Your full freezer should keep food frozen and safe for about two days when kept closed.

· If someone in your home is on life support, be sure to have a back-up system and a plan of action for an outage.

Downed lines
· Call us immediately at 1-877-548-3768 (1-877-LITESOUT) if you see a downed power line. Don’t touch it.

· Keep everyone, including pets, out of the area. You cannot look at a downed line and determine if it’s "live."

· Do not touch a person if a power line is touching them. Immediately call 911.

· If a power line falls across your vehicle, stay in the car and wait for emergency personnel to cut the power. If your vehicle is on fire and you are in imminent danger and you must get out of the vehicle, JUMP – with both feet together—as far from the car as possible. If a part of your body touches the car and the ground at the same time, you could be electrocuted.

Generator safety
· One idea to help prepare you for a power outage is to purchase a portable electric generator. If you use one, please do so with caution since generators can pose serious safety hazards when improperly used or installed. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

· Never plug your generator into an outlet, and don’t connect a generator directly to your home’s main fuse box or circuit panel.

· If you must provide temporary power to your home’s wiring system, the generator must be connected through an approved transfer switch that will isolate your house from our system. The switch must comply with the National Electric Code and local building codes. These include permits, inspection and installation by a licensed electrician.

· To temporarily power an appliance, plug it directly into the generator.

· Use properly sized and grounded extension cords and keep cords hidden so they don’t present a tripping hazard.

· Always properly ventilate a portable generator. Gasoline-powered generators produce carbon monoxide and the fumes can be deadly.

· Make sure that the total electric load on your generator won’t exceed the generator’s rating.

Conditions:State Route 410

410 is still open with detour between milepost 104, to milepost 108, due to a landslide in the area. The emergency detour route has been opened to all drivers, and is a rough, gravel-surfaced road. Crews continue work on portions of the detour and drivers on this emergency route could experience long delays due to construction activities. WSDOT could close the roadway for the safety of drivers at anytime. Information updates are available at 509-577-1635 or 5 1 1.Weather:Rain. Roadway is bare & wet.

Cell Service

Todd Krienke from US Cell advises they will move their COW( cell tower on wheels) to a location near the Woodshed. They will be moving it Monday but did not give a time for activation it takes awhile to get it working. US Cellular also said that when the COW was set up and working US Cellular will be adding equipment to provide coverage further up the canyon. Over the next few weeks cell coverage should improve dramatically for the Hwy 410 corridor on the US Cellular system. Verizon who has had their COW at Carroll Flats for the last two weeks on generator will be shutting down Tuesday 10-27 to remove the site before the weather will not allow its removal. More to follow.

HELPFUL WEBSITES FOR LATEST HWY410 LANDSLIDE RELATED INFO

· To view the latest river stages and forecasts, select from left hand menu, River and Lakes AHPS or follow link below. · http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=pdt Either click on Cliffdell Icon or select from drop down menu. Shows the latest river stage data and forecast/trend out 7 days. To view graphical forecasts including amount of precipitation expected and possible amount of snow. From left hand menu, select "Weather Forecasts" and click on region of interest. The amount of precipitation expected is under "QPF" and is included out 72 hours.

· To view precipitation received at differing stations, from the main NWS Pendleton Web page www.wrh.noaa.gov/pdt Select Observations and then you can use the clickable Mesonet map site to view locations.

The Northwest River Forecast Center Web page http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/ Can see at a glance, with colored icons, sites that are approaching action or warning stages. You can also use this site to see current and forecast river conditions as well as the hydrological discussion, and other features.

· http://www.yak-oem.blogspot.com/ , or Yakima County Hot line (509) 574-1900

· WSDOT Transportation Hot line (509) 577-1635 and SR 410 Landslide Web Page www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/SR410/Landslide For State Road conditions call 511

Nile Valley Community Update for OCT. 23-25, 2009

Nile Valley Community Update for OCT. 23-25, 2009
Naches, WASH-
Local information will be posted on reader boards located at Fire Station 10 (next to the Woodshed), Nile Community Church, Fire Station 11, and at Gold Creek.

HELPFUL WEBSITES FOR LATEST HWY410 LANDSLIDE RELATED INFO

· To view the latest river stages and forecasts, select from left hand menu, River and Lakes AHPS or follow link below.
· http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=pdt
Either click on Cliffdell Icon or select from drop down menu. Shows the latest river stage data and forecast/trend out 7 days. To view graphical forecasts including amount of precipitation expected and possible amount of snow.
From left hand menu, select "Weather Forecasts" and click on region of interest.
The amount of precipitation expected is under "QPF" and is included out 72 hours.

· To view precipitation received at differing stations, from the main NWS Pendleton Web page www.wrh.noaa.gov/pdt
Select Observations and then you can use the clickable Mesonet map site to view locations.

The Northwest River Forecast Center Web page http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/
Can see at a glance, with colored icons, sites that are approaching action or warning stages. You can also use this site to see current and forecast river conditions as well as the hydrological discussion, and other features.

· http://www.yak-oem.blogspot.com/ , or Yakima County Hot line (509) 574-1900

· WSDOT Transportation Hot line (509) 577-1635 and SR 410 Landslide Web Page www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/SR410/Landslide For State Road conditions call 511

COMMUNITY NEWS
· Please complete the C.E.R.T information form and return to Pam Brown

· Create a Disaster Supply Kit with enough provisions to last at least 30 days. See Yakima Valley Emergency Management Office Family Emergency Planning Guide.

· If you heat with propane consider using the Top Off program to keep your tanks full.

· Now is a good time to complete maintenance work on your generator and to have additional fuel stored in proper containers and in a safe location.

· Please help the church replenish the food bank. Dottie 658-2507 or Keith 658-2904.

· Please make frequent checks on your neighbors to make sure they are OK and to watch their property if they are gone .

· The Community Pumpkin Patch “Trunk or Treat” Halloween Party is still on for next Friday Oct 30, 2009 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Jim Sprick Park. Bring the whole family.

· Visit our local restaurants for a great meal and a warm friendly welcome.

NOAA WEATHER FORECAST
· The storm is expected to move in through early Friday night. At this time,
precipitation amounts are fairly light for the East Slopes for tonight and early Friday. Currently, one of the models is indicating a 3-6 hour period of precipitation for the upper basin of up to .45 inches. The other models have about half of that amount. The forecast for the Cliffdell site bumps up at little more than currently indicated when the River Forecast Center updates on Friday, but we don't see any indication of a significant rise. In addition, on Friday night, the snow level will be lowering to 5000 feet. Saturday looks to be dry with another system moving in Sunday.
In the 6 to 10 day outlook, Oct 28 through Nov 1, it's calling for warmer than
normal and normal to slightly above normal precipitation.

Have You Had A Job Or Business Related Impact Due To The Disaster?
Contact Yakima Work Source at 509-575-2720 or at http://www.cw1stop.org/ for information regarding unemployment, food, child care, health care, clothing, shelter and financial assistance.

HWY 410 Landslide Update

Naches, WASH-OCT.22 , 2009

Public Meeting Today at the Nile Valley Church- 5:00 PM

Washington State Patrol

WSP is still on site, working with the DOT to maintain traffic flow and patrol the area to insure compliance with flaggers and safety signage.

National Weather Service
These are the sites we watch the river for changes. They are public sites so you can look as well.

Home Page
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pdt/

To view the latest river stages and forecasts, select from left hand menu, River and Lakes AHPS or follow link below.

http://ahps2.wrh.noaa.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=pdt
Either click on Cliffdell icon or select from drop down menu.
Shows the latest river stage data and forecast/trend out 7 days.
To view graphical forecasts including amount of precipitation expected and possible amount of snow.
From left hand menu, select "Weather Forecasts" and click on region of interest.
The amount of precipitation expected is under "QPF" and is included out
72 hours.

To view precipitation received at differing stations, from the main NWS Pendleton Web page
www.wrh.noaa.gov/pdt

Select Observations and then you can use the click-able Mesonet map site to view locations.
The Northwest River Forecast Center Web page
http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/
Can see at a glance, with colored icons, sites that are approaching action or warning stages.
You can also use this site to see current and forecast river conditions as well as the hydrological discussion, and other features.

Washington State DOT
The Nile Road is open to all traffic expect delays. Still working on property acquisition for the interim road. While waiting they are continuing to build up the Nile Road near the lower end to a height of a 100 year flood. They are also working on a monitoring system to insure we are warned in the event the slide moves again. They will be testing this on Saturday we are told. They have in coordination Yakima County Flood Control District lowered the level of the pool behind the slide about a foot.

Yakima County Public Services
Public Services continues to acquire property to establish an interim Nile Road. Once the needed property has been acquired which I understand is very close WSDOT will have the green light to start construction. Then the race is on to see if the road can be built before Mother Nature smacks us again. Just to give you an idea of how important this road is the current flow in the river is between 4-500 CFS. The Yakima County Flood Control Zone District puts the average flow in November at 2000 CFS. This means there were some days there was more some less. The current channel is reported to be capable of carry about 1700 CFS. If one does the math there will be problems with the temporary (Original) Nile Road that has been built up.

Yakima Sheriff’s Office
YSO will have a reduced presence. They will have extra patrols working the area along with WSP.

Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management
Incident Action Plans continue to be developed for the potential isolation of the area. These plans will be living documents adapting to the changing environment presented by the slide and weather in the future. KR Continues to be available at the Nile Church from 11:00 to 3:00 each day. If you have questions stop by.

The CERT Team has received about 500 survey forms that they developed to begin to identify the situation of the residents in the valley. They will have a table at the Public Meeting Tomorrow Night. Please stop by and help your community prepare for what experts believe is coming.

The above information is excerpts from information gleamed from e-mails discussions and phone conversations with Jim Hall(Director of the Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management today. As with any situation, things change fast. If you have questions about this incident please call 574-1900 before “assuming” what has been said is totally accurate.

The Nile communities disaster resilience is a thing to be proud of ! The Office of Emergency Management can not say this enough; prepare now. We (government agencies) will not be able to help everyone if the worst happens. Please do not be caught surprised !

Community Update Meeting on the HWY 410 Landslide

Community Update Meeting on the HWY 410 Landslide

Naches, WASH-OCT. 21, 2009

There will be a citizens meeting at the Nile Community Church at 5 P.M. on Thursday, October 22. Information will be shared with Nile Valley residents on how they should be preparing for the upcoming flood season as well as information on what the local response agencies, the County and the Department of Transportation will be doing.

For more information Steve Nevens can be contacted by phone at the Nile Community Church (658-2904) or by email steve.nevens@chinookpasslions.com .

How to Help the Nile Valley

How to Help the Nile Valley

Naches, WASH-OCT. 21, 2009

Businesses in the area have been greatly impacted. Area restaurants, stores, and resorts could desperately use your business. Many of these local businesses employ residents from the Nile Valley.
The Nile Valley Church needs to replenish their food bank. Those wishing to donate food may contact 658-2507. Also the Red Cross has set up a bank account under the name: Nile Valley Landslide Victims Fund at the Banner Bank. Any monetary donations to the valley residents who have lost their homes and/or property will go into this named fund. If donations are made just to the Red Cross the money will go to the headquarters of the Red Cross. It is imperative that individuals wanting to donate to the victims of this incident, make sure their donations go into the " Nile Valley Landslide Victims Fund". Donations can be made at any Banner Bank branch.

NEED HELP?

Naches, WASH-Oct. 21, 2009.
Citizens in the Nile Valley needing assistance with food, clothing, and shelter may contact the American Red Cross Yakima Office at 457-1690. Those needing social services are urged to dial 211 for possible resources.

Governor Office Wants to Hear Insurance Issues

Governor Office Wants to Hear Insurance Issues
Naches, WASH-OCT. 21, 2009
The Yakima Office of Emergency Management has received information from the Governor’s Office that the Governor wants to hear about insurance issues people in the Nile Valley are experiencing. There may be nothing they can do, but it may be worth a phone call or filling out a form so they are aware of the situation.

Write Governor Gregoire a Letter:
Governor Chris Gregoire
Office of the Governor
PO Box 40002
Olympia, WA 98504-0002

Give Governor Gregoire's Office a Call:
Governor's Office 360-902-4111

For relay operators for the deaf or hard of hearing, please dial 7-1-1
Fax Governor Gregoire a Letter:
360-753-4110

Caution! Stay Away From Landslide Area

Naches, WASH-
Oct. 20/ 2009.
The Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management cautions the public not to venture into the path of the landslide. The land slide is unstable and those doing so risk their own and others well being. Caution!

Detour Route Now Open

Emergency detour route now open to all drivers
Naches,WASH-
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONOn Oct. 20 we lifted the 'residents only' restriction on the emergency detour route around the landslide. The route is now open to all drivers.

Drivers should be aware that the current emergency route, which detours around a four-mile section of SR 410 between mileposts 104 and 108, is a rough, gravel-surfaced road. We could close the roadway for the safety of drivers at anytime if landslide activity or an increase in river flows is detected. While keeping the roadway open is important for residents and businesses along the SR 410 corridor, we will not compromise motorist safety.

Drivers should check for updates before using the emergency route. The most reliable access to the restaurants, homes, cabins, and stores along the SR 410 corridor is from the west over Chinook Pass. We will try to keep Chinook Pass open until heavy snows create unavoidable avalanche danger.

For the safety of drivers and pedestrians, the four-mile section of SR 410 between mileposts 104 and 108 remains closed due to the instability of the landslide.


WSDOT and contractor crews continue work on temporary route and build channel to divert river water
The emergency route on Nile Loop Road is just the first of several steps to re-establish this transportation corridor around the landslide. The river and weather continues to pose challenges, and we estimate that the emergency repairs on Nile Loop Road will only last several weeks before the roadway is damaged by the river.

We understand the urgency to re-establish a roadway before winter. We continue to survey, design, and work with property owners to get permission to build a winter-durable SR 410 detour. The new detour will likely follow the west edge of the Nile Valley floor and connect the Rattlesnake Creek Bridge with the east junction of Nile Loop Road and SR 410.

We're working with our contractor, Selland Construction, Inc., of Wenatchee to build a wider channel that will reduce the velocity of the river near the emergency route on Nile Loop Road. Crews are placing large boulders and trees along side Nile Loop Road to slow erosion long enough for WSDOT to build a temporary road that will withstand the winter months and the rise and fall of the river.

Economic Recovery Effort

Economic Recovery Effort
Naches, WASH- The Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management is asking all residents who received damage to property or a business to report this information to our office at 509-574-1920. This information can be used to find financial relief for citizens of the Nile area. The community is encouraging residents to give business to the local restaurants and stores in the Nile Valley.

WASHINGTON STATE DOT REPORT

Naches,WASH-
WASHINGTON STATE DOT REPORT:
OCT. 20/2009-SR 410 - State Route 410 remains closed from milepost 104 to milepost 108 due to a landslide in the area. There is no thru traffic in the closed area, except for local residents as well as services vehicles (i.e. garbage,propane,mail) . Road closure points are staffed around the clock; local residents will need to provide ID to get though. SR 410 west of the closure point is open from the west via Chinook Pass. Contractor crews are on site, working to repair a temporary route for local access. Information updates are available on the Hotline at 509 577-1635.

OCT 20 HIGHWAY 410 LANDSLIDE UPDATE


Phone Numbers
EMERGENCY 9-1-1
WSDOT INFO. LINE 577-1635
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE 574-1900
NILE/CLIFFDELL FIRE DEPT. 658-2445
YSO - (NON EMERGENCY) - 574-2500
WSP - (NON EMERGENCY) - 575-2320

NACHES,WASH-
Nile Fire Department: continues to organize the community for the current landslide situation and the potential future isolation of the area from and high water event. The department has and is hosting several meetings with officials and the community to ensure this coordination takes place. They have also become a significant source of information within the community.


State DOT: Is continuing to coordinate the construction of the temporary road over the existing Nile Road. Channel work continues with the removal of the log cabin and cleaning the channel. As of 1400 today they are beginning to allow some water to flow in the new channel as they watch the area for changes. They have advised everything they do in the area is a balancing act between the slide and moving material on the toe. Too much movement may set off the slide again. Simultaneously DOT is continuing their efforts to design and redirect the Nile Road some distance from the river. Crews are still working feverishly to allow two way traffic on the Nile Road. It should be coming soon. For more information call the DOT Hotline at 577-1635 for the latest.


Yakima County Public Services: Continuing to work on the river channel with state DOT. They have purchased several pieces of property from emergency funds to assist with this effort. The Flood Control Zone District, a part of Public Services, is working hard on modeling the effects of a high water event and identifying who will be threatened.


Emergency Management: The Emergency Management office continues to man the 574-1900 help line. The phone is being answered by volunteers to support the Nile Community. One staff person has been stationed at the Nile Church from 11:00am to 3:00 pm weekdays. Please stop by and talk with KR Catlin. He is there to listen to your needs and help you with questions.

CERT: Volunteers led by Pam Brown from the Hwy 410 Chinook Pass area are organizing to support the community. If you see someone in a Green Vest with the CERT logo say thank you and let them know what your needs are.


Washington State Patrol: WSP is manning the Hwy 410 Lower Nile Road intersection only allowing residence and service vehicles to pass through the construction area.


Yakima Sheriff’s Office: Lt Brian Winter reports YSO has moved their road position from the Nile Road at the Rattlesnake to the Hwy 410 Upper Nile Road intersection. This is to better control local access. Again they are only allowing residents and service vehicles into the construction area.