HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

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Hazardous Weather Outlook

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK...UPDATED

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PENDLETON OR


255 PM PST WED DEC 30 2009



UPDATED FOR WINTER WEATHER TOMORROW



ORZ041>044-049-050-501>506-WAZ024-026>030-501-502-311415-

EASTERN COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE OF OREGON-NORTH CENTRAL OREGON-

CENTRAL OREGON-LOWER COLUMBIA BASIN OF OREGON-GRANDE RONDE VALLEY-

WALLOWA COUNTY-FOOTHILLS OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS OF OREGON-

NORTHERN BLUE MOUNTAINS OF OREGON-

SOUTHERN BLUE MOUNTAINS OF OREGON-

NORTHERN WHEELER AND SOUTHERN GILLIAM COUNTIES-JOHN DAY BASIN-

OCHOCO-JOHN DAY HIGHLANDS-

EASTERN COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE OF WASHINGTON-KITTITAS VALLEY-

YAKIMA VALLEY-LOWER COLUMBIA BASIN OF WASHINGTON-

FOOTHILLS OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS OF WASHINGTON-

NORTHWEST BLUE MOUNTAINS-

EAST SLOPES OF THE CENTRAL CASCADES OF WASHINGTON-

EAST SLOPES OF THE SOUTHERN CASCADES OF WASHINGTON-

255 PM PST WED DEC 30 2009



THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR CENTRAL AND NORTHEAST OREGON

AS WELL AS SOUTH CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST WASHINGTON.



.DAY ONE...TONIGHT



AIR STAGNATION ADVISORY TODAY AND TONIGHT

YAKIMA VALLEY



VERY LIGHT OR CALM SURFACE WINDS AND A STRONG SURFACE BASED

TEMPERATURE INVERSION WILL MAINTAIN A STABLE AIRMASS AND STAGNANT

AIR CONDITIONS...WHICH WILL TRAP AIR POLLUTANTS IN THE YAKIMA

VALLEY. AN AIR STAGNATION ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR THE YAKIMA

VALLEY UNTIL 10 AM PST THURSDAY MORNING. PLEASE REFER TO PDXNPWPDT

FOR DETAILS.



.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY



WINTER MIX THURSDAY

EAST SLOPES OF THE CENTRAL CASCADES OF WASHINGTON, EAST SLOPES

OF THE SOUTHERN CASCADES OF WASHINGTON, EASTERN COLUMBIA RIVER

GORGE OF WASHINGTON, KITTITAS VALLEY, YAKIMA VALLEY, LOWER

COLUMBIA BASIN OF WASHINGTON, EASTERN COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE OF

OREGON, NORTH CENTRAL OREGON, CENTRAL OREGON, LOWER COLUMBIA

BASIN OF OREGON, NORTHERN WHEELER AND SOUTHERN GILLIAM

COUNTIES



SNOW THURSDAY

NORTHWEST BLUE MOUNTAINS, GRANDE RONDE VALLEY, WALLOWA COUNTY,

NORTHERN BLUE MOUNTAINS OF OREGON, SOUTHERN BLUE MOUNTAINS OF

OREGON, JOHN DAY BASIN, OCHOCO-JOHN DAY HIGHLANDS



FREEZING RAIN THURSDAY

FOOTHILLS OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS OF WASHINGTON, FOOTHILLS OF

THE BLUE MOUNTAINS OF OREGON



WINTER MIX FRIDAY

EAST SLOPES OF THE CENTRAL CASCADES OF WASHINGTON, EAST SLOPES

OF THE SOUTHERN CASCADES OF WASHINGTON



SNOW FRIDAY

NORTHWEST BLUE MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN BLUE MOUNTAINS OF OREGON,

SOUTHERN BLUE MOUNTAINS OF OREGON



A STRONG PACIFIC WEATHER SYSTEM WILL MOVE INTO THE REGION THURSDAY

MORNING AND CONTINUE THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT INTO NEW YEARS DAY. THIS

SYSTEM WILL BRING WARMER AIR WITH IT...RESULTING IN A WINTRY MIX OF

PRECIPITATION. THE FROZEN OR FREEZING PRECIPITATION WILL CHANGE OVER

TO ALL RAIN IN LOWER ELEVATIONS BY EARLY NEW YEARS DAY. WINTER

STORM WARNINGS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THE EAST SLOPES OF THE SOUTHERN

WASHINGTON CASCADES...THE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE...NORTH CENTRAL

OREGON...CENTRAL OREGON...LOWER COLUMBIA BASIN...YAKIMA VALLEY...AND

KITTITAS VALLEY. HEAVY SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WITH SOME ICE

ACCUMULATIONS ARE LIKELY THESE AREAS. THE HEAVIEST ICE ACCUMULATION

WILL BE IN THE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE WITH ONE QUARTER TO ONE HALF

INCH POSSIBLE. IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS FREEZING RAIN

WITH ICE ACCUMULATION LESS THAN ONE QUARTER INCH IS EXPECTED. OTHER

AREAS WILL RECEIVE ADVISORY SNOW AMOUNTS. PRECIPITATION WILL

DECREASE TO SHOWERS IN MOST AREAS BY 10 PM THURSDAY. TERRAIN EFFECTS

WILL KEEP LIKELY SNOW INTO FRIDAY IN THE BLUES AND EAST SLOPES OF

THE WASHINGTON CASCADES. PLEASE REFER TO PDXWSWPDT FOR MORE DETAILS.



AN ACTIVE WET BUT WARMER WEATHER PATTERN WILL THEN PERSIST THROUGH

THE REST OF THE WEEKEND INTO NEXT WEEK WITH ONE PACIFIC WEATHER

SYSTEM AFTER ANOTHER CROSSING THE REGION THROUGH A WEAK RIDGING

PATTERN.



.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...



SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL BE LIKELY.



WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER

CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.



GRAPHICAL FORECASTS OF WEATHER HAZARDS OUT TO SEVEN DAYS

ARE DISPLAYED ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB AT:



WWW.WRH.NOAA.GOV/PDT/CURRENTHAZARDS/HWO.HTML

Hwy 410 Chinook Pass Landslide Situational Update and Report

Hwy 410 Chinook Pass Landslide Situational Update and Report

Meeting Summary

1. Potential Flood Issues;

Terry Keenhan with the Yakima Public Services Flood Control Zone District (FCZD) reported the new channel was designed to handle a 100 year flood and he anticipates it will. They expect to see some changes in the channel as the river flow works on new channel. The group discussed how the river would be monitored. Terry advised anyone wishing to monitor the river should check the Cliffdel Gage on the National Weather Service
 website http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?CLFW1UH
 
The FCZD will be monitoring the gage as will others throughout the winter. The FCZD will also be monitoring the new channel watching for changes or potential problems.

The flood Stage for the Naches River, at Cliffdel, after being adjusted down for the reduced channel capacity during the event and construction has been returned to pre landslide levels.

A question was asked if there were going to be any impacts on the upstream or downstream river channel. Upstream there are no changes expected but it will be monitored. Downstream however significant river structures were installed to protect the area of the Woodshed Restaurant, the Nile Loop Road Bridge, and residents down river. Some changes will take place but nothing significant is expected. Don Whitehouse advised after spending a significant amount of time in the area he was impressed with the Counties channel design and how it moved the river away from the highway and other structures. Don also reported some significant boulders were removed from under the Nile Loop Rd Bridge that should improve high water flows moving through the area.

As far as the monitoring of the river on a regular basis the group had consensus that we would return to normal operations. In other words there would be no specific monitoring of river flow in the new channel other than those planned by the FCZD. We would monitor gages and receive reports as we would for any other portion of the river systems in the valley. There was a comment that normally if we get into a flood fight the Corps of Engineers would be available to assist and that would be the case here as well.

There was one caveat; no one can fully predict what Mother Nature will do! Being prepared is still prudent in this event.

2. Landslide Safety

Isabella Sarikhan a Geologist with the Department of Natural Resources provided a brief overview of the slide and their studies so far. There are still a lot of unknowns. She reported they were not sure if all of the energy in the slide had been expended or if it had stopped moving. She indicated the slide could be unstable for quite some time meaning potentially years. Isabella advised one of the WSDOT drill holes indicated movement so they were not sure yet.

Don Whitehouse briefed the group on the drilling operation. There are 24 drill holes planned with 16 – 17 complete. The movement Isabella talked about was in drill hole #15 that is about 200 feet deep. The movement observed was about an inch. The radar monitoring the slide did not detect any movement so no one is sure what is happening yet. This was a very deep slide being deeper than originally thought. The drill holes on the upper portions of the slide are about 500 feet deep and on the lower end 300 feet. The drilling is anticipated to be complete in the 2nd week of January. Once complete the holes will be checked weekly for movement. If none is detected the monitoring will be bi-weekly then monthly and so on. If there is movement detected the monitoring will again be more often.

The ground radar installed shortly after the slide occurred has not detected any movement other than some minor rock falls at the upper scarp. The WSDOT intends to keep the radar in place until their work is completed on the slide for safety of their crews. Once the work is complete they intend to remove the radar. Last month the bill for the radar was $83,000 so this is not a cheap piece of equipment.

Because of the depth of this slide there does not appear to be a mechanical fix to stabilize it. A is or is not decision is needed before a decision on a permanent fix can be made.

A question was asked about blasting the remaining portions of the slide to stabilize the area. This was reported as a rumor that has been circulating in the valley. The answer given was there will be no blasting for many reasons.

3. Sightseers

It was discussed that it would be difficult to keep everyone out of the area because of its size and terrain features. There was very little concern of the slide moving and causing issues with people. There was concern for safety of those going to the area because the terrain is rugged and now there is snow. Private property was discussed and Frank Freshwater said he would contact the owner and help with their issues. The public message we should be putting out is don’t go there. Especially near the scarp at the top where there is continual rock fall and many unknowns.

There are safety messages and signs in access areas. The signs provide a clear message don’t go there. There is private property in the area and if there are people intending to go they should have permission.

The conversation went into possibilities of another event. Isabella, DNR Geologist, advised there was little probability of another major slide in the near future. However, energy will more than likely build up and there will be another slide as there has been in the past. This may take several decades though.

4. Temporary Hwy 410 Detour Route

Don Whitehouse advised their work on the Temporary Detour is complete for this winter. In the spring there will be some need for additional signage, stripping, and barricades to accommodate the summer traffic with Chinook Pass open.

A question was asked about additional white markers on the Nile Loop Road. Don advised the road is built to state standards and did not think there was going to be any more. If this was a county road there would be no markers at all was reported.

5. Permanent Hwy 410 Update

WSDOT anticipates a geotechnical report sometime in early summer. This will determine the options available to install a permanent fix. The options as they are known now are 1. Build up the area around the toe to facilitate the new road. 2. Go over the top of the slide building up the approaches and not excavating the slide itself. 3. Cross the river with a new bridge follow the far valley floor and build another new bridge to get back across the river. The most desirable is #1 because it would be the easiest and would cost less. The least desirable is #3 because it is complicated and expensive. Whatever the decision will be it will be a long process because of the required environmental review and request for funding. If all goes well, and if all goes well, a year from now contracts will be issued for the road around the slide with anticipated construction year of 2011.

6. Other issues

Because of the desire to keep the affected residents informed and answer their questions a public meeting at the Nile Valley Church was set for the 2nd Thursday January 14th at 1800 hrs.

The group discussed how fortunate we all were in this event. Things turned out very well. Change the scenario and have, what history tells us was coming, a high water event or flood and what happened in the Nile Valley would change significantly.

H1N1 (Swine Flu) Vaccine Availability

For Immediate Release Contact:


Jessica Brown, PIO, 509-249-6516

Marisol Oviedo, PIO (habla español)

509-249-6513

Date: December 10, 2009

H1N1 (Swine Flu) Vaccine Availability Expanding to the GeneralPublic in Yakima County Starting  Monday December 14th

         The Yakima Health District (YHD) has advised its H1N1 vaccine providers that they may begin

administering vaccine to the general public starting Monday, December 14th, 2009. The decision

to expand availability is a result of more H1N1 vaccine coming into our community along with

waning demand among residents who originally qualified to receive the vaccine. Since the H1N1

vaccine situation varies from county to county, expansion decisions are being made by officials

within each local health jurisdiction individually. Therefore, vaccine availability may vary from

county to county during this transition phase.

While the overall number of H1N1 cases has declined dramatically from levels seen in the fall,

health officials in Yakima County are still seeing severe cases requiring hospitalization, as well

as deaths from the illness. Residents who fall into one of the original CDC target groups

(pregnant women, healthcare workers, emergency medical responders with direct patient contact,

household contacts and caregivers of infants less than 6 months old, all persons aged 6 months

through 24 years old, and persons 25 through 64 years old with underlying health conditions) are

still strongly encouraged to receive an H1N1 vaccination if they have not already.

As of December 10th, Yakima County has been allocated 61,920 doses of H1N1 influenza

vaccine. The vaccine has been distributed through approximately 90 sites throughout the county

including doctor’s offices, community health centers, and pharmacies. Each vaccine provider

determines the best method of providing H1N1 vaccine at their site. While some sites may begin

offering vaccine to the general public on Monday, others may reserve vaccine for high risk

patients within their practices who have yet to receive it.

YHD recommends that residents contact their regular healthcare provider to determine if they are

offering H1N1 vaccine. For residents who cannot access H1N1 vaccine through their regular

healthcare provider, a list of locations offering vaccine to the general public is available on the

YHD website (www.yakimapublichealth.org). Information is also available on YHD’s H1N1

information lines (249-6533 or 249-6511 for Spanish).

                                                                                       ###

2009-2010 Influenza (H1N1) Season Update

2009-2010 Influenza Season Week 46 ending November 21, 2009

Yakima, WASH-


All data are preliminary and may change as more reports are received.

Synopsis:

During week 46 (November 15-21, 2009), influenza activity continued to decrease in the U.S.

• 1,880 (20.5%) specimens tested by U.S. World Health Organization (WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) collaborating laboratories and reported to CDC/Influenza Division were positive for influenza.

• Over 99% of all subtyped influenza A viruses being reported to CDC were 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses.

• The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was above the epidemic threshold for the eighth consecutive week.

• Thirty-five influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported. Twenty-seven of these deaths were associated with 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, seven were associated with an influenza A virus for which the subtype was undetermined, and one was associated with a seasonal influenza A (H1) virus infection that occurred in March.

• The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) was 4.3% which is above the national baseline of 2.3%. All 10 regions reported ILI above region-specific baseline levels.

• Thirty-two states reported geographically widespread influenza activity, Puerto Rico and 17 states reported regional influenza activity, the District of Columbia and one state reported local influenza activity, and Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands reported sporadic influenza activity.


Quick Facts for the Public on Antiviral Treatments for 2009 H1N1

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Here are a few questions to consider asking your health care provider about flu antivirals

• Do I need antiviral treatment if I have flu symptoms?

• When should I call back if I don’t feel better?

• What do I do if my child is prescribed oseltamivir and can’t swallow capsules? Click here for instructions on how to open capsules and mix the medicine with liquids.

Treatment Is Important for High Risk Groups

People in high risk groups should talk to their health care provider as soon as possible if they think they may have the flu because they have a greater chance of getting serious flu complications than other persons. Flu antiviral drugs can make you feel better, shorten the time you are sick, and prevent serious flu complications, especially if treatment is begun within 2 days of getting sick. Flu antiviral drugs must be prescribed by a physician.

Don’t Delay Treatment

If your doctor prescribed Tamiflu® (oseltamivir) or Relenza® (zanamivir) for you, don’t delay filling the prescription, and start taking the medication as soon as you get it. This way you will get the most benefit. It’s very important that antiviral drugs be started as soon as possible for the flu, ideally within 2 days of getting sick.

Don’t Confuse Tamiflu® (oseltamivir) with Theraflu®

Tamiflu® is the brand name and oseltamivir is the generic name of a prescription antiviral drug used to treat the flu and should not be confused with Theraflu®, which is an over-the-counter medication. Antiviral drugs are not sold over-the-counter. You can only get them if you have a prescription from your health care provider.

Side Effects of Flu Antiviral Drugs

The most common side effects of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) are nausea and vomiting, which can also be symptoms of the flu. Nausea and vomiting can be minimized by taking the medication with food. The most common side effects of zanamivir (Relenza®) are dizziness, sinusitis, runny or stuffy nose, cough, diarrhea, nausea, or headache, also symptoms that can be due to the flu. Zanamivir may also cause wheezing and trouble breathing in people with lung disease; therefore, persons with a history of asthma or another lung disease should not be prescribed zanamivir.

Treatment May Be Needed Even if Test Results are Negative

Your health care provider may diagnose you with flu based on your symptoms and their clinical judgment or they may choose to use an influenza diagnostic test. Health care providers can use rapid flu tests (15 minutes or less) to test a specimen from your nose or throat in their offices. Unfortunately, these tests are less than perfect in telling who really has the flu. Therefore, you could still have the flu, even though your rapid flu test result is negative. Health care providers may prescribe antivirals if they suspect flu, even if the rapid flu test is negative.

More Information

• What To Do If You Get Sick: 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu
 http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm

• 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu: What You Should Know About Flu Antiviral Drugs http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/antivirals/geninfo.htm

• Influenza Diagnostic Testing During the 2009-2010 Flu Season http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/diagnostic_testing_public_qa.htm

HWY 410 Landslides/ Nile Community Update-NOV. 24, 2009

HWY 410 Landslides/ Nile Community Update-NOV. 24, 2009

Naches, WASH-11/24/09

This will be our last weekly posting regarding the HWY 410 Landslide. If potentially hazardous events unfold and the community needs information, our office will make a posting.
The Nile community, Yakima county, Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management, and WSDOT can take pride in what was accomplished. This incident was a reflection of what community preparedness, government partnership, and all around disaster response should be.


NWS Pendleton Forecast for 8 Miles SE Cliffdell, WA

Use this link to check: 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 Cliffdell http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?CLFW1



WSDOT Update

WSDOT and contractor crews are getting closer to making their deadline to have the SR 410 winter-durable detour finished by Thanksgiving. Starting on Monday, Nov. 23, crews will start paving the 4,000-foot-long section of the detour. Paving should be complete by Wednesday, Nov. 25. However, crews will still have some work to finish. On Monday, Nov. 30, crews will install guardrail, signs, and guideposts.WSDOT reminds motorists to please drive with caution and be prepared for delays associated with construction operations. WSDOT, Yakima County, our agency partners, and Selland Construction have accomplished remarkable feats within one month. Because of these partnerships, and the patience and understanding of Nile Valley residents, drivers have a safe, reliable, and durable transportation route around the Nile Valley landslide. Chinook Pass is closed for the season from Morse Creek (five miles east of the summit) to Crystal Mountain Boulevard (eight miles northwest of the summit). Access to the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort from SR 410 remains open. WSDOT is seeking federal emergency funding for the landslide emergency response, detour construction, and river channel work. The total cost is estimated to be as much as $8 million.

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.

-NEW-Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling toll-free (800) 659‑2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

Hearing impaired individuals may call (800) 877‑8339. Yakima County Public Services Flood Control Zone District Flood Preparedness Information http://www.yakimacounty.us/SurfaceWater/FloodPreparedness.htm

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 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 Cliffdell 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

HWY 410 Landslides/ Nile Community Update-NOV. 23, 2009

HWY 410 Landslides/ Nile Community Update-NOV. 23, 2009

Naches, WASH-11/23/09

Bureau of Reclamation

The Bureau of Reclamation plans to make several incremental increases in Bumping Reservoir outflows beginning Monday morning, Nov 23. These increases will begin reaching the Naches River at Cliffdell sometime after 12:00 hours (noon) Monday and begin reaching the work site sometime after 15:00 hours (most likely later) Monday afternoon. Each 50 cfs increase will increase the stage on the Naches River at Cliffdell by about 3/4 inch or less. The total increase will likely be 150 to 300 cfs based on conditions and the NWS forecast at the time. They will plan to make additional adjustments Tuesday or Wednesday, November 24 or 25.

Upcoming Events-

The Department of EMS will be having a “Holiday Yard Sale” inside the Glenwood Square Mall hallways on December 11th & 12th. Donations of gift items, and arts and crafts, that are to be sold during the event, are being accepted now through December 10th at the EMS office. All proceeds go to their Nile Valley Community Fund. They are located at: Yakima County Department of Emergency Medical Services Glenwood Square Mall, 5110 Tieton Drive, Suite 370, Yakima, Washington 98908-Tel. (509) 966-5175 Fax (509) 966-5176.

NWS Pendleton Forecast for 8 Miles SE Cliffdell, WA

A large scale weather system will be working through the Pacific Northwest over the next several days. The warm front ahead of the system will push through tonight with snow levels rising to 5000 feet with a mix of rain and snow overnight. Then snow levels fall back to 3000 feet by late Friday and lower through the weekend as several more parts of the system work through. The active pattern continues into early next week.

Tonight - snow level 5000 feet, precipitation 0.10 to 0.25 Friday - snow level back to 3000 feet, precipitation 10 to 0.25 Friday night - Saturday night - snow levels 1500-2000 feet, precipitation of 0.50 to 0.75 Sunday - snow level 1500-2000, precipitation 0.20.

Naches River near Cliffdell-
Currently around 620 cfs. It is expected to rise to between 720-750 cfs (near flood stage) by Friday morning and decrease back to around 630 by Friday night and slowly recede during the coming weekend.



WSDOT Update

WSDOT and contractor crews are getting closer to making their deadline to have the SR 410 winter-durable detour finished by Thanksgiving. Starting on Monday, Nov. 23, crews will start paving the 4,000-foot-long section of the detour. Paving should be complete by Wednesday, Nov. 25. However, crews will still have some work to finish. On Saturday, Nov. 28, crews will install guardrail, signs, and guideposts.WSDOT reminds motorists to please drive with caution and be prepared for delays associated with construction operations. WSDOT, Yakima County, our agency partners, and Selland Construction have accomplished remarkable feats within one month. Because of these partnerships, and the patience and understanding of Nile Valley residents, drivers have a safe, reliable, and durable transportation route around the Nile Valley landslide. Chinook Pass is closed for the season from Morse Creek (five miles east of the summit) to Crystal Mountain Boulevard (eight miles northwest of the summit). Access to the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort from SR 410 remains open. WSDOT is seeking federal emergency funding for the landslide emergency response, detour construction, and river channel work. The total cost is estimated to be as much as $8 million.

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.

-NEW-Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling toll-free (800) 659‑2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Hearing impaired individuals may call (800) 877‑8339. Yakima County Public Services Flood Control Zone District Flood Preparedness Information http://www.yakimacounty.us/SurfaceWater/FloodPreparedness.htm 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 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 Cliffdell 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

HWY 410 Landslides/ Nile Community Update-NOV. 19, 2009

HWY 410 Landslides/ Nile Community Update-NOV. 19, 2009

Naches, WASH-11/19/09

TO NIGHT

Community Update meeting at the Nile Valley Community Church at 6 PM. Contact Steve Nevens at 658-2304 or stevenevens98937@gmail.com.

Also

Nile Community Appreciation Night Don and Kathy Forgey have donated the use of the American Homestead Event Center located at 5870 State Route 410,Naches WA, (Mile Post maker 111), to host the Nile Community Appreciation Night to thank the government agencies, construction companies, power, trucking outfits, construction workers, supplier's, and all the people who worked so hard to restore the valley. They will be having a Community Pot Luck Dinner starting at 6:00 PM, with live entertainment featuring Don Forgey, Paul Wilson and Tom Tyo. Anyone wishing to help organize this event please contact Steve Nevens at 658-2304 or stevenevens98937@gmail.com.

The Department of EMS will be having a “Holiday Yard Sale” inside the Glenwood Square Mall hallways on December 11th & 12th. Donations of gift items, and arts and crafts, that are to be sold during the event, are being accepted now through December 10th at the EMS office. All proceeds go to their Nile Valley Community Fund. They are located at: Yakima County Department of Emergency Medical Services Glenwood Square Mall,5110 Tieton Drive, Suite 370,Yakima, Washington 98908-Tel. (509) 966-5175 Fax (509) 966-5176.

USFWS Update

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were successful yesterday in saving more than 500 fish. When the county’s river diversion is complete the fish removal teams will use several techniques to safely catch fish stranded in the old river channel and release them back into unobstructed waters.

WSDOT Update

WSDOT is working with the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to remove stranded fish in collaboration with fish biologists from nine other agencies and groups. This work started on Nov. 18 and will wrap-up on Nov. 19. Fish removal teams are using several techniques to safely catch fish stranded in the old river channel and release them back into unobstructed waters six miles up stream.WSDOT shifted traffic onto the new 4,000-foot-long section of the SR 410 detour on Nov. 16. After the traffic shift, Yakima County crews cut through the old temporary detour road in two places to divert the river around the landslide to minimize erosion risks.

WSDOT reminds motorists to please drive with caution and be prepared for delays associated with construction operations. WSDOT, Yakima County, our agency partners, and Selland Construction have accomplished remarkable feats within one month. Because of these partnerships, and the patience and understanding of Nile Valley residents, drivers have a safe, reliable, and durable transportation route around the Nile Valley landslide. Chinook Pass is closed for the season from Morse Creek (five miles east of the summit) to Crystal Mountain Boulevard (eight miles northwest of the summit). Access to the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort from SR 410 remains open. WSDOT is seeking federal emergency funding for the landslide emergency response, detour construction, and river channel work. The total cost is estimated to be as much as $8 million.

Disaster Assistance

The U. S. Small Business Administration, announced that SBA will make low-interest working capital loans available to small businesses that suffered economically from the landslide that occurred October 10 near the community of Nile in Yakima County. Small, non-farm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred. “Eligibility for these working capital loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4 percent, a maximum term of 30 years, and are restricted to small businesses without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship,” said Nancy Porzio, SBA’s Acting Regional Administrator. Small, non-farm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred. “Beginning Tuesday, November 17, from 9 am to 1 pm, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at a SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center to issue loan applications, answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each business owner complete their application,” Porzio continued. The center will be open on the days and times indicated. No appointment is necessary. The center is located at: Niles Valley Community Church Near the corner of Hwy 410 & Bedrock Lane 60 Bedrock Lane Naches, WA

NWS Pendleton Forecast for 8 Miles SE Cliffdell, WA

Most of the precipitation will be in the form of snow at the higher elevations, the exception is Thursday night, when warm air ahead of the front will cause snow levels to rise to 4000-4500 feet...but they will decrease to below 3000 feet by Friday night.

Thursday - snow level 3500 feet, precipitation 0.25 - 0.50 inches Thursday night - snow level 4000-4500 feet, precipitation 0.25 to 0.40 inches Friday - snow levels falling to 3000 feet, precipitation 0.50 inches Friday night - Monday, snow levels 2000 - 2500 feet.

The river has fallen below 750 cfs and is expected to decrease to 625 cfs by late Thursday. There is a rise to 700 cfs expected by late Friday, then slowly falling off through the weekend, reaching 600 cfs by late Monday..

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.

-NEW- Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling toll-free (800) 659‑2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Hearing impaired individuals may call (800) 877‑8339. Yakima County Public Services Flood Control Zone District Flood Preparedness Information http://www.yakimacounty.us/SurfaceWater/FloodPreparedness.htm 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 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 Cliffdell 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