Chelan County, NPS: 'We are committed' to rebuilding Stehekin storm damage

Conceptual map of Company Creek Road reconstruction options in Stehekin. Photo courtesy: Chelan County.

Remedial work has begun on repairing winter storm damage caused when the Stehekin River changed its course and eroded Company Creek Road, impacting property, threatening homes and a wastewater treatment facility.

In early December 2025, the Stehekin River experienced the second-largest flood on record, resulting in substantial geomorphic change in the lower Stehekin Valley as the river shifted into its historic floodplain. Approximately 1,000 linear feet of Company Creek Road and a 400-foot levee were lost, eliminating safe vehicle access beyond the damaged area.

The plan is to build a temporary roadway to restore limited access. The National Park Service (NPS) says the road's service life will depend on river conditions and future weather or flood events.

During a virtual community meeting attended by over 100 Thursday afternoon, Chelan County Natural Resources Director Mike Kaputa said the plan is to head-off spring rains and snowmelt runoff in the river.

Kaputa said rock and other material is being brought in by barge as officials consider three road reconstruction options.

"As we start to coalesce around a design and we get more clarity about how we're moving forward on this then I think we'll start to fine tune some of those designs," said Chelan County Natural Resources Director Mike Kaputa. "At some point we'll have enough material up there to restore the road."

Of the three options being looked at, road crossings will likely include box culverts or piping to move water, if needed.

With much of the damage on federal land, North Cascades National Park Superintendent Danika Globokar said the federal government is committed to the work.

"The project that we've been approved to move forward with would construct roughly 800-1,000 feet of an elevated, temporary emergency roadway across federal lands," Globokar said. "Because the river has shifted about 200-300 feet, a new alignment would be on lands outside of federal jurisdiction. We are committed to working closely with Chelan County and local homeowners."

Globopkar added that there will be repairs to Stehekin Valley Road and the National Park Service wastewater treatment facility are underway. NPS trail crews will begin work this spring on the Lakeshore Trail.

Chelan County has already committed $30,000 to begin road design analysis and barging in rock and materials for road rebuilding.

"Chelan County is totally committed with dollars and time and personnel to getting you guys reconnected to the communities," county commissioner Shon Smith assured those attending the virtual meeting. "Please don't lose faith, keep as strong as you can, and help is coming."

More road rebuilding material will be barged from Chelan to Stehekin over the next few days as county, National Park Service and local residents refine road design and repair plans.

Read the National Park Service news release here.

The Seattle Times March 5, 2026 article on the Stehekin December 2025 storm event and its impacts can be read here.