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Chelan County crews on pothole patrol

They’re annoying. They can be disruptive. And they seem to pop up overnight.

We’re talking about potholes.

The transition from winter to spring, a time that brings precipitation and lingering cold temperatures, oftentimes is when potholes become most noticeable on local roads.

But how does a pothole form?

It starts with water. Water can get under the pavement through cracks or from the side of the road. Over time, the water can cause the material under the pavement to erode, causing the pavement to sink down and break.

During winter, the water under the pavement freezes and then thaws -- oftentimes repeatedly. This cycle of contracting and expanding can cause the pavement to crack so that it deteriorates quickly under the weight of traffic. And then you have a pesky pothole.

In Chelan County, when you spot a pothole on a county roadway, you can go online to send a service request to Chelan County Public Works. Or call the office at 667-6415 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The County typically responds to pothole service calls within 48 hours. Crews use a polymer-modified cold asphalt that works in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures. It requires no mixing and little heat. Crews first sweep the area, removing any loose asphalt, rock or debris. They may use a torch to heat up the area. They then fill the hole with the cold-patch asphalt and it’s compacted using a hand tamper or by driving over it with the service truck.

Remember, the county only takes care of potholes in the county right-of-way. Potholes in driveways or on private roads are the responsibility of the property owner. Potholes in the city limits are the responsiblity of the city's road department.

Last Updated: 08/24/2021 09:03 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 08
    Aug 2025
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 05
    Aug 2025
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Election Day

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Election Day

    Please see Ballot Drop Locations
  • 02
    Aug 2025
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday - Aug. 2, 2025

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is Aug. 2.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility
  • 29
    Jul 2025
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Registration in person at our office

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Registration Deadline in person at our office.

  • 28
    Jul 2025
    09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Registration deadline for new voters or address updates by mail, online, email or over the phone.

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Registration deadline for new voters or address updates by mail, online, email or over the phone.