Public Works

Public Works Blog

County crews on pothole patrol

Posted On: March 22, 2017

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.


Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 03
    May 2025
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday - May 3, 2025

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is May 3.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility
  • 02
    May 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
  • 02
    May 2025
    01:30 PM - 02:00 PM

    Public Meeting: Certify Election

    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
  • 30
    Apr 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
  • 25
    Apr 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