Resolution_2025 Kittitas County Hazard Mitigation Plan

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2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan Kittitas County, Washington Chapter 4: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment 77 roadways in a controlled environment to minimize traffic disruption, passive avalanche control by building elevated roadways so avalanches can pass under highways, snow sheds so that avalanches flow over highways, catchment basins to stop avalanche flow, and diversion dams and berms to keep snow off highways.71F 72 Economy: Avalanches cause direct and indirect economic losses to the public and private sector by disrupting recreational facilities, blocking transportation routes, occasionally destroying property, and through expensive rescue efforts of stranded victims.72F 73 Kittitas County’s economy heavily relies on winter tourism (e.g., skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling) and a severe avalanche event that can prolong impacts to recreational areas can deter tourists resulting in reduced revenue for tourism and local businesses. Furthermore, closures to Snoqualmie Pass (Interstate 90) can have significant implications for the County and State economy because it can impact freight transport, local businesses’ ability to received inventory, tourism, and public services. For example, WSDOT estimates that a two (2) hour closure of Snoqualmie Pass can cost the State’s economy over $1 Million.73F 74 In 2008, a four (4) day closure of Interstate 90 at Snoqualmie Pass cost the State 170 jobs (for one (1) year after the closure), $27.9 Million in total losses in the economic output, $1.42 Million losses in the State tax revenue, and $8.6 Million reduction in personal income.74F 75 Changes in Development and Impact of Future Development: Most avalanche prone areas in Kittitas County remain uninhabited or with minimal development. Changes in development have minimally increased (4% or less) the vulnerability of Kittitas County to avalanches. Future development may minimally increase (4% or less) the impact of avalanches within Kittitas County. Underserved and At Risk Population: The underserved and at risk population face unique vulnerabilities and impacts as a result of avalanches. These groups include, but are not limited to, low- income families, elderly, individuals with disabilities, those with limited English proficiency, and those without adequate access to emergency resources. These groups may not have access to the appropriate avalanche equipment and education on avalanche risk. Furthermore, these groups may not have access to accurate and timely information due to limited internet access, language barriers, and living in isolated areas. Therefore, critical avalanche warnings may not reach these groups in a timely manner which results in higher injury and mortality rates within these communities. Additionally, individuals living in isolated areas with limited access (e.g., one (1) road in and one (1) road out) are vulnerable to being cut off from community lifelines if an avalanche were to block access to the area for an extended period of time. Effects of Climate Change in Severity of Impacts: The main driver of avalanches is weather, not climate. Snow avalanches are mainly ruled by temperature fluctuations, heavy precipitation, and wind patterns. Studies show that climate change can affect extreme weather events (e.g., heavier snowfall 72 Washington State Department of Transportation. (n.d.). Avalanche Control. Retrieved from https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/operations-services/avalanche-control. 73 Spencer, J. (2011). Avalanche Fatalities in the Wester United States: A Comparison of Three Databases. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225993162_Avalanche_fatalities_in_the_western_United_States_A_co mparison_of_three_databases. 74 United States Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. (2004). Federal Land Recreational Visitor Protection Act: Senate Report. Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/congressional-report/108th- congress/senate-report/320/1. 75 Washinton State Department of Transportation. (2008). Storm-Related Closures of I-5 and I-90: Freight Transportation Economic Impact Assessment Report. Retrieved from https://leg.wa.gov/JTC/Meetings/Documents/WSDOT_I5_90ClosuresFinalReport._061808pdf.pdf.