Snowden Community
Fire Danger Today: LOW
Zoom meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87118778087?pwd=p9Cpd4AE6FwuE8Jqjx2K6UAkbGvyAb.1
COMMUNITY SERVICES
- WAGAP (Washington Gorge Action Programs)
- 24-hour crisis line for domestic violence/sexual assault: 844-493-1709
- Bingen office: 800-755-1192 or 509-493-2662. Services include: Food Bank, Emergency Housing, Housing Assistance, Domestic Violence Assistance, Youth Center, Financial Programs.
Latest News:
Hundreds of Miles of New Gas Pipelines Proposed in Washington
Columbia Riverkeeper (a non-profit working to protect the water quality of the Columbia River, and all life connected to it) is tracking two early-stage methane gas pipeline proposals being actively pursued by Williams, owner of the largest gas pipeline system in Washington.
The proposal of most impact to Snowden residents is the “Rockies Columbia Connector”, which would add 158 miles of new gas pipeline along the Columbia River Gorge. Laying new pipeline along the Columbia River Gorge would harm water quality and impact highly sensitive areas. The air quality implications for this project are enormous as well.
Link to the detailed article from Columbia Riverkeeper about the Rockies Columbia Connector and other new gas pipeline proposals for Washington.
Additional Resources:
Columbia Riverkeeper’s Rockies Columbia Connector Map
Columbia Riverkeeper’s article: A Closer Look: Columbia River Data Centers
Stay Informed: Sign up for Updates from Columbia Riverkeeper
Sign the Petition going to Governor Ferguson: No New Gas Pipelines
On March 9, qualified licensed contractors hired by the West Klickitat Regional Fire Authority (WKRFA) began cleaning and inspecting both water tanks on Tunnel Road, and the water tank on Snowden Road. Another contractor will be performing asbestos abatement on the outer tank insulation. Fire Chief Wesley Long stresses that there are no leaks and no environmental hazards. Other Snowden-area water tanks will be flushed and filled so they’re ready to go for fire season. Questions can be addressed directly to Chief Long at (509) 493-2996, Ext. 203, or to the office.
For more information about the tank cleaning, see: Chief Long’s letter to the SCC detailing the tank cleaning efforts.
The WA Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently conducted a series of community listening sessions to discuss their Wildfire Hazard and Risk Mapping initiative. The DNR project aims to enhance wildfire preparedness by identifying areas at risk and providing general hazard assessments.
More information:
Video recording of the Virtual Listening Session
Brief summary of the initiative
WA Wildfire Hazard and Risk Map frequently asked questions
Attendees at the recent Pile Burning Workshop conducted by the Mount Adams Resource Stewards (MARS) found it to be very informative. For more information about what was covered during the workshop see the Klickitat County Pile Burning Guide.
Last year the Klickitat County Planning Department began a two-year process to update its outdated 1979 Comprehensive Plan for the county (link to current plan). The Comprehensive Plan is “the primary land use document to implement the community’s vision for future growth and development.” In March, 2025, the County held a series of Community Outreach Meetings to get community input on areas of concern that the Comp Plan needs to address. The SCC Land Use Committee continues to review the Comp Plan work plan to ensure it reflects the interests of the Snowden Community.
Snowden Homeowner’s Insurance Survey
The Snowden Community Council is asking residents to help us collect data on recent changes in or cancelations of Homeowner’s Insurance. By collecting Snowden-specific data we’ll be able to map out the impacts, as well as know which insurers are more likely to increase cost or drop residents completely. The survey is super quick. We’re asking that folks try to keep it to one response per household. The survey will be open for the next month, and results will be shared once we’ve had a chance to tabulate and map them.
Link to Homeowner’s Insurance Survey
Adopting a Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) is a WA State requirement for all cities and counties, under the Growth Management Act. Its purpose is to establish local regulations to protect critical areas, which are defined as “critical aquifer recharge areas, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, frequently flooded areas, geological hazardous areas, and wetlands.” A proposed revision to the CAO for Klickitat County is being considered.
The CAO seems to be “on hold” while under appeal from the Yakama Tribe. The Land Use Committee will keep watch for any activity.
Check out the new Emergency Preparedness page
Recommended Ways to Monitor Wildfire Status: Sign up to receive Klickitat County Alerts via phone, text or email, or all three, from Smart911. Facebook Groups for monitoring the latest wildfire info: Columbia Gorge Wildland and Fire Information Page, Klickitat County 911 Dispatch / Emergency Management Page, and Klickitat County Facebook Page. Free iPhone or Android app, and website, for monitoring latest wildfire info: Watch Duty. Another website for monitoring wildfire activity: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/. The KC Department of Emergency Management web page also includes information about wildfires and other emergency situations.
Information about upcoming community events can be found on the GorgeCurrent Events Calendar and also on the Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce Events Calendar.
Gorge MakerSpace offers classes for youth and adults in wood working and woodturning, laser cutting, 3D printing, blacksmithing, art, sewing, embroidery, painting on fabric, DIY & home repair, and robotics. For more info and to sign up see: Gorge MakerSpace.
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