SITREP 20 – Inclement Weather Response (Current Operations Status for 02/12/19 and Next 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 and below freezing temperatures, travel should be avoided due to slick road conditions, however, if driving cannot be avoided use of chains, all-wheel drive vehicles is highly suggested. Advisories has been posted on SVCA web site regarding poor road conditions and cascaded out to social media, however, travel attempts continue to be a problem. Currently a local tow company has been working to clear (7) known vehicles in ditches or abandoned on SVCA roads. One vehicle is in the middle of the road at North Point Drive (Gate 1) and will required assistance from SVCA plows on 02/13/19 when assets become available. For the health and safety of everyone involved, please DO NOT travel unless it is an emergency.

c. SV maintenance plowing operations have been stood down, plows are pre-staged for deployment on 02/13.

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 due to snow and ice compacted on the road making transit not safe for the vehicle and officer.

f. Current weather conditions: overcast, winds are calm, temperature 32 degrees. NWS Winter Weather Message is stating it will be canceled by 10 PM tonight

Response – Current Operational Period

a. Response assets and crew stood down at 1 PM for resupply and rest and recovery

Response – Next Operational Period

a. Response effort to resume at 4 AM on 02/13/19, current forecasted conditions show diminished snow in forecast, with sunny conditions and a high of 36 degrees in the afternoon

b. Due to forecasted weather conditions improving the response effort will make a major push to deice Sudden Valley roads. As per the snow plan; response efforts will start with major roads and connectors and pushing out to other side streets based on progress.

c. Current operations: Sudden Valley main roads were plowed however, use of sand/deicer not effective due to low temperatures and already compacted snow, continue plowing would make traction issues worse by compacting snow even more.

d. Safety advisor posted on SVCA website on snow on trees limbs, trees and roofs. Residents as to be aware of potential of large of amount of snow that can fall from heights causing injury and damage.

Response and Logistics Update

a. Fuel status; unchanged

b. Resupply of sand; unchanged

c. SVCA facilities (Community Center/Gym) Gym to open on regular schedule on 02/12/19. Administrative Offices were operated by limited personnel.

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 center in Bellingham

b. Forecast indicates snow in forecast at 10 PM till 4 AM, forecasts transitions to partially sunny conditions ocurring 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 6 AM or as needed

This our current status for further information please contact norm@suddenvalley.com