Seasonal road closures remain in effect until end of March

WENATCHEE — With one month remaining before the end of seasonal road closures, Chelan County officials remind residents and visitors to continue avoiding certain areas. The closures, affecting Burch Mountain and Horse Lake Roads in Wenatchee, Oklahoma Gulch Road in Entiat, and Mountain Home Road in Leavenworth, aim to protect wintering habitats for mule deer and other wildlife. These measures also help prevent roadway damage during the freeze-thaw cycles of winter.

Implemented annually, these road closures are part of Chelan County's efforts to safeguard the natural behavior and habitat of mule deer as they winter in the foothills surrounding the Wenatchee Valley. The closures, which began on December 1st for most areas and February 15th for Burch Mountain Road, are set to lift on March 31st.

Snowmobilers, in particular, are reminded that these restrictions also apply to them, with violations potentially leading to penalties including up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $1,000, as per Code County 8.34.

Residents and those planning to travel through Chelan County are encouraged to visit the Chelan County Public Works’ Traffic Alerts and Restrictions page for real-time updates and detailed maps of the affected areas.