Overview Yodelin Avalanche, Stevens Pass
In 1971 near Stevens Pass, the tranquility of Yodelin was shattered by a devastating avalanche that took lives. This tragic event highlighted the unpredictable nature of avalanches in the area, particularly in a landscape where the natural defenses had been weakened.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT) at the time was responsible for managing the development of communities like Yodelin, where the challenge of forecasting avalanches was compounded by the reduced tree cover, a consequence of both natural occurrences and human interventions. This disaster underscored the vulnerability of the region to such catastrophic events, emphasizing the need for greater caution and preparedness in areas prone to avalanches like Stevens Pass.
Wildfires and Development
From 1920-1940, fires often hit the area, clearing it of trees. A town called Tunnel City even sprung up, using what trees were left. This left the area bare. Historic data and images prove the areas trees were removed by man and wildfire. These trees in the alpine area of Yodelin (3600′ average elevation) take decades to grow 20-30 feet due to the average high snow pack. These mature trees are now established, and have changed the area.
Yodelin Images
Pause and examine this 1969 photograph. To the right, across Highway 2, lies the lush Yodelin Ski area. Directly opposite, you can see the Yodelin Community with its network of access roads. In stark contrast, the slopes of Mt. Lichtenburg and Skyline Ridge on the left are barren. Not a single tree up to the mountain tops. These exposed slopes, near the access road and private properties, were the site of a devastating avalanche in 1971 that took four lives.
This image, along with historical documentation, supports the existence of a train tunnel that cut through the Yodelin area in the early 1900’s, where coal-powered trains and their generators often ignited wildfires. These fires significantly increased the vulnerability of the landscape. Particularly on the mountainsides surrounding the Yodelin Community, where over 100 private property parcels are located. The train tunnel remains visible, a mere stone’s throw from Yodelin’s private properties, marking a poignant reminder of the area’s history and its impact on the landscape.
The Recovery of Yodelin’s Forests
Most trees in the Stevens Pass area of Yodelin are Grand Fir, Hemlock, and Douglas Fir. After the wildfires, the area of Yodelin was last logged in the early 1960’s. Recently the Forest Service bought around 250 acres of the last large private property near Stevens Pass. Yodelin’s trees are protected now from harvest / clear cutting. This is key to preventing avalanches.
The Legacy of Yodelin’s Cabins
The 1971 avalanche revealed that several cabins in Yodelin were not designed for the rigors of mountain living. With weak foundations and substandard construction, these were budget second homes built during tough economic times. Their owners, constrained by the recession, could not afford robust construction, leading to many cabins being overwhelmed by the winter snows annually. You can observe the remnants from the county road of these structures relied on pier blocks set directly in the soil without proper footings, clearly unsuitable for the alpine conditions.
Understanding the Yodelin Avalanche Report
After a tragic avalanche in Yodelin, a report was made for the developer Mel Borgersen to avoid any blame. This report was created Jul 20, 1971, and was based off a one day summer visit as mentioned in the report. “It is based on the results of an on-site inspection of all three subdivisions made on 13 July 1971” (page 1).
Looking Closer at the Report
Important Notice Regarding the 1971 Yodelin Study
The document currently being used by the Chelan County Planning Department to determine land-use rules is a working, unofficial photocopy of a 1971 report. Unfortunately, the original document has been lost, leaving only this incomplete version as a reference. Because this copy has been reproduced numerous times over the decades, the text is blurred and difficult to read. Furthermore, the document shows clear evidence of being altered after its creation; certain sections contain yellow highlighting—a tool that was not in use when the report was originally authored in 1971—suggesting that the copy has been modified by various hands over the years.
There are also significant concerns regarding the scope and methodology of the study. While Yodelin covers over 100 acres of vast terrain and surrounding slopes, the official report (page 1) confirms it was based on a single inspection conducted on a snowless summer day. Additionally, the study focuses on only 20 of the 180 lots in Yodelin—specifically those with buildings—at a time when official records show only 18 cabins existed.
Please Note: This document was never formally adopted by Chelan County. It remains an unofficial working copy that is incomplete and visually compromised. It should not be used for land-use determinations, property valuations, or development planning purposes under any circumstances.
Furthermore, the map sections in the report contain notes that have become illegible. The degradation in the photocopy’s quality renders these essential annotations unreadable. This has led to the discovery that some online versions of the report omit these map sections entirely.
Ideally, the complete report would include 4 map pages and the 12-page document. Including the cover page, the total report should span 17 pages.
Why Focus on Few Lots and Why Inspect with No Snow Pack Only Once?
Stated on the opening page, “Particular attention is given to the existing buildings on these lots” (p. 1 of 1971 report).
Attention on Developed Parcels
The report primarily examines lots that already have buildings. It details these areas with a keen focus.
Understanding the Report’s Scope
Inspecting the Yodelin area just once, during a period with no snow, may seem like a sufficient approach to evaluate the terrain. This decision likely influenced why the report concentrated on only certain sections of Yodelin.
This method of inspection provides insight into why the report did not encompass the entire Yodelin area, opting instead to focus on areas with existing developments.
Overlooking Undeveloped Land
However, it neglects vast stretches, almost half a mile long, of undeveloped parcels. These areas without buildings are not considered in the report.
Selective Study by Mel Borgenson
It appears Mel Borgenson directed the study to only include areas with buildings. This was likely done to limit liability by focusing only on developed parcels. At that time, there seemed little reason to assess the full risk for undeveloped lots.
Owners Seek Further Insight
Due to this oversight, property owners in the areas not covered by the report have recently hired qualified avalanche engineers. They aim to understand the true avalanche risk for their land, beyond what was initially reported in the Yodelin Stevens Pass Area.
Dealing With Avalanche Risks near Stevens Pass
Avalanche risks are hard to figure out. And we have seen Chelan County trying its best. Yet, there hasn’t been an official review of the risks in Yodelin due limited avalanche engineers in Washington State. Also creating a budget for a large study seems to be hard to obtain.
Some Say Risks Haven’t Changed
The Importance of Qualified Engineers
In discussions about avalanche dangers in Yodelin, it’s essential to distinguish between opinions and expert analysis. While some individuals claim that the risk of avalanches in Yodelin is as high or higher than it was in the 1970s, such assessments cannot be accurately made without the expertise of qualified engineers. Chelan County mandates that engineers specializing in avalanche risk must have at least five years of experience and hold a engineering license in the State of Washington.
Challenges and Solutions in Finding Experts
Locating professionals who meet these qualifications can be challenging. However, several Yodelin property owners have recently engaged a highly qualified engineering firm that not only meets but exceeds these standards. This firm has extensive experience working on projects with Chelan County and the State of Washington, including the Department of Transportation.
The Superiority of Professional Engineering Reports
The reports produced by these engineers provide a more accurate and comprehensive analysis of avalanche risks than the speculative claims made by some in the Stevens Pass area. Utilizing advanced technology and methods, these reports offer insights that are invaluable to understanding the true nature of avalanche hazards in Yodelin Stevens Pass area.
Adopting New Technologies and Methods
Areas in Washington and across the United States, including Idaho, Montana, California, and Colorado, have implemented avalanche zoning practices. These practices leverage cutting-edge technologies such as LIDAR, topographical mapping, and computer-generated flow modeling.
By adopting these updated methods, communities can create detailed avalanche hazard maps, guiding both county and state-level decisions regarding land use for individual propery owners so they can use their land.
The Way Forward for Yodelin
For Yodelin, the involvement of qualified engineers and the adoption of modern avalanche risk assessment technologies represent a significant step forward. These advancements not only challenge outdated perceptions of risk but also provide a clearer path for safe and informed property development in areas that may be exposed to avalanche danger.
Looking Forward
County’s Scientific Duty
The county must base its decisions on the best scientific evidence available. Our goal is to accurately assess the avalanche risks in Yodelin, a topic that has not been thoroughly examined for many years.
Shifting Away from Subjectivity
Historically, the perception of avalanche danger in Yodelin has been influenced by the personal opinions of some landowners, and users, not by detailed scientific studies. This approach benefits those who already own developed properties, but it doesn’t provide a clear or updated picture of the actual risks.
The Need for Updated Evaluations
Avalanche science is complex, and understanding it requires up-to-date information. That’s why standard geotechnical evaluations expire after five years. As science progresses, county guidelines also evolve, underscoring the importance of relying on verified data rather than hearsay.
Engineered Insights
Recently, four qualified engineers specializing in avalanche risk have thoroughly analyzed eight parcels in Yodelin (private reports 2012-2024). Their research collectively suggests that, despite some level of risk, there are viable opportunities for development within these eight parcels.
These findings encourage a more informed and nuanced approach to development in Yodelin, balancing safety concerns with the potential for growth.
Advocating for Individual Reports
Tailored Assessments for Comprehensive Insights
Allowing individual reports by engineers seems to be the most effective approach. This strategy ensures that experts examine the entire area, forming their own assessments on development possibilities, and removing liability from Chelan County and The State.
Building a Foundation of Modern Science
As individual reports gather over time, they will form a rich repository of current scientific knowledge. This accumulation is already underway. Such collective wisdom has the potential to greatly deepen our grasp of the region and yield invaluable avalanche mapping.
Determining the actual risks and buildability of these lots requires the application of modern science and site-specific expertise. Over the past five years, Chris Wilbur—widely recognized as one of the most qualified avalanche engineers in North America—has conducted extensive studies within the Yodelin community. His work includes individual geotechnical reports for multiple ‘tagged’ lots, with findings supporting the possibility of safe development on these parcels. Mr. Wilbur’s professional background includes providing the avalanche study for the Kahler Glen community (Chelan County) and extensive consulting for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Relying on such high-level engineering data is critical to establishing the actual safety and viability of these properties based on the best methods currently available