Massive Rocks Block Sleepy Hollow Road in Chelan County

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Large rocks fell onto Sleepy Hollow Road in Chelan County, Washington on Wednesday morning, briefly closing the roadway. Authorities say the rockfall was caused by the seasonal freeze-thaw cycle, where water gets into cracks in the rocks, freezes at night, and thaws during the day, causing the rocks to become dislodged. Crews cleared the debris, but will need to return in the coming weeks to fully remove the rocks, which could require additional road closures.

Why it matters

Rockfalls pose a serious safety hazard for drivers, and can cause significant damage to roads and infrastructure. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges that Chelan County faces with managing its mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather patterns, which can lead to dangerous geological events.

The details

According to Chelan County spokesperson Jill FitzSimmons, the rockfall occurred just before 10 a.m. on Wednesday. A loader was used to clear the roadway, but crews will need to return to break up and remove the large debris, which could require additional closures of Sleepy Hollow Road. The extent of any damage to the roadway is still being assessed.

• The rockfall occurred just before 10 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Chelan County Public Works crews will return in the coming weeks to break up and remove the debris from Sleepy Hollow Road, which could require additional closures of the roadway.