SITREP 22 – Inclement Weather Response (Current Operational Period 02/13/19)

a. Washington State of Emergency has been declared by the Governor and by Whatcom County Executive

b. Sudden Valley roads conditions remain poor due to icy conditions, below freezing temperatures and snow. Travel should be avoided due slick road conditions, however, if driving cannot be avoided use of chains, all-wheel drive vehicles is highly recommended.

c. SV maintenance plowing operations commenced at 0400 AM but progress is slow due to snow and icy conditions.

d. Updates on SV roads will be posted as conditions change. Updates to be posted available either on 1610 BECoN emergency information system Sudden Valley web page (www.suddenvalley.com) or contact Sudden Valley Security.

e. Security patrol has resumed normal operations; risk assessment is done prior to transiting on certain SVCA roads

f. Current weather conditions: snow forecasted till 06:30 AM, winds are calm, temperature 30 degrees.

Response – Current Operational Period

a. Response assets deployed, plowing per SVCA snow plan, primary focus are the main roads to provide access for emergency vehicles

b. Current plan is to transition to plow additional roads per SVCA snow plan and transition operations to sanding and deicing later in the day as conditions improve.

Response – Next Operational Period

a. To be determined

Response and Logistics Update

a. Fuel status; to be updated by the end of the current operational period

b. Resupply of sand; unchanged

c. SVCA facilities (Rec Center/Gym) Gym to open on regular schedule on 02/12/19. Administrative Offices closed

External Notifications 

a. SWFA; notified

b. Bellingham School District Transportation; school canceled for 02/13/19

c. Sudden Valley Amateur Radio (updates on 1610AM BeCon Emergency Info system): notified

d. Community Outlet (SVCA web page): posting to be determined after road conditions are evaluated

Future Plans and Recommendations

a. Continue to monitor weather conditions and roads

b. Update all external notifications on conditions for roads

Amplifying Information

a. Whatcom CERTs requested volunteers to staff rewarming centers in Bellingham

b. Forecast indicates snow in forecast till 0630 AM, forecasts transitions to partially sunny conditions occurring in the afternoon

c. SVCA has cascaded information on community assistance during snow event to membership (see hyperlink for details) https://suddenvalley.com/community-assistance-during-snow-event/  

This report to be updated by 02/13/19 by 1 PM or as needed. This is our current status. For further information please contact norm@suddenvalley.com