36" of snow in 24 hours: Leavenworth declares state of emergency due to record snowfall
Leavenworth declares state of emergency after 36 inches of snow falls overnight
Now, town officials are worried about increased avalanche risks and heavy snow sliding off roofs.
LEAVENWORTH, Wash. - The City of Leavenworth declared a State of Emergency on Jan. 7 and requested aid from the National Guard after getting 36" of snow in less than 24 hours.
City officials said some areas received as much as 48" of snow in less than 48 hours, calling it "unprecedented and record-breaking snowfall."
Authorities are concerned about the weight of the snow on homes and buildings.
"The emergency declaration allows the City to use local resources that can aid quickly, instead of going through a normal bidding process, and is a pre-requisite for state and federal emergency aid funding," a city official said.
RELATED: Pacific Northwest storm causes major flooding, closes interstates
Snoqualmie Pass remains closed
Hazardous conditions have closed Snoqualmie Pass until at least Sunday.
The aid requested from the National Guard includes welfare checks on residents, food delivery, snow cleanup and private driveway snow removal. The city is also working with local contractors to provide emergency aid including snow removal and storage.
RELATED: 20-mile stretch of I-5 in Lewis, Thurston counties closed for hours due to flooding
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