Okanogan Valley Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

‘The Deer … Just Get Whacked’: Private Funds Help Reduce Wildlife Hits On Bad Stretch Near Tonasket

By Courtney Flatt August 27, 2020

Three bucks pass under the Janis Bridge underpass near Tonasket, Washington. The underpass is part of the first mile of a project to help deer travel safely and not run into cars on U.S. Highway 97, which sees more than 350 deer collisions each year in the short stretch between Tonasket and Riverside. Courtesy of Conservation Northwest

The first part of a project that covers the most dangerous section of Highway 97 near Tonasket, Washington, is finished. It’s expected to prevent more than 100 collisions each year in just one mile in the Okanogan Valley. The 13-miles stretch from Tonasket to Riverside sees nearly 350 deer-car collisions per year.Read More

WSDOT To Close Highway 20 Twisp-Okanogan Section For 2nd Washout Repair Since 2017

By Scott Leadingham May 24, 2019

Small section of Highway 20 east of Loup Loup washed out in April 2019, and will cause a complete closure beginning Tuesday, May 28.

Drivers and cyclists have this Memorial Day weekend to get in a full trip over Washington’s Highway 20 before a temporary closure on the east side. The state Transportation Dept. will close the full 30-mile stretch connecting Twisp and Okanogan for nine days beginning Tuesday, May 28.Read More

From I-90 To North-Central Washington, Bridges And Tunnels Save Animals And Prevent Wrecks

By Courtney Flatt November 12, 2018

A 12-mile stretch of Highway 97 in north-central Washington outside Omak is one of the state’s most dangerous corridors for wildlife collisions. More than 350 deer are hit each year. New wildlife crossings like those seen over Interstate 90 and Snoqualmie Pass may help.Read More

As Okanogan River Recedes, Memories Of Past Floods Remain

By NWPB News June 4, 2018

Ruth and Richard Tembey were both born in 1935. They've lived in Tonasket, Washington, almost all their lives. CREDIT: EMILY SCHWING/N3

The Okanogan River has receded from its emergency flood stage seen for several weeks in May. Left behind are the memories and high-water marks of floods and natural disasters past.Read More

Emergency Managers In ‘Defense Mode’ As Okanogan Flood Outlook Changes To Lower Level

By Emily Schwing May 19, 2018

The flooded Okanogan River flowing through downtown Omak, Friday, May 18, 2018.

A week ago, forecasters were predicting the Okanogan River might crest this weekend near a record flood mark set back in 1972. Now, emergency managers are moving into “defense mode” and are now predicting somewhat lower water levels.Read More

Despite Floods, Officials Say Municipal Drinking Water In Okanogan Valley Still Safe

By Emily Schwing May 17, 2018

Roughly 200 people attended a public meeting at the high school in Oroville. They were briefed by emergency managers on flooding in the Okanogan Valley. CREDIT: EMILY SCHWING

Emergency management officials are trying to protect drinking water systems throughout the Okanogan Valley from flood water contamination.Read More

Photos: Preparing For Floods In Washington’s Okanogan Valley

By Emily Schwing May 16, 2018

A home along Lake Osoyoos in Oroville, Washington, is already inundated with flood water. A near record snow year in southern British Columbia combined with temperatures in the upper 80s means flood waters will continue to rise. CREDIT: EMILY SCHWING/NORTHWEST NEWS NETWORK

The combination of a near-record snowpack in southern British Columbia and temperatures soaring into the upper 80s has caused flood watches starting at the U.S.-Canada border running south along the Okanogan River. Correspondent Emily Schwing is on the scene and sent back these photos.Read More

Community Works To Keep Friends Dry As Flood Threat Looms In Okanogan Valley

By Emily Schwing May 15, 2018

Rose and Andre Corso are trying to make the best of a potentially disastrous situation as they prepare for extreme flooding at their home alongside the Okanogan River in Tonasket, Washington.

Throughout northcentral and northeastern Washington, residents are preparing for the worst. Some of the heaviest flooding is expected along the Okanogan River. In Tonasket, the community is pulling together to move families who live along the river to higher ground.Read More