Rock Slide Could Be Cleared Today

Workers began breaking up boulders Tuesday morning after a rock slide cut off about 75 families living northeast of this small town.

The broken rock won’t be removed from Cape Horn Road until today at the earliest, if geologists determine the area is safe, said Sandy Von Behren, with the county’s disaster services operation.

“It’s still dangerous, and there’s still a chance of rock falling,” she said. “It’s a slow process.”

Crews were able to begin work around 7 a.m. Tuesday after geologists said it appeared workers could safely begin breaking apart the boulders.

Today, geologists and Lakes Highway District officials will survey the area, looking at rocks perched above the heap that may be cracking. They also will check to see whether the bridge the rock slide landed on is safe for drivers, she said.

The road has been closed since 5 p.m. Sunday, when the slide sent tons of granite boulders crashing onto it.

Disaster services officials called in a geologist Monday and began ferrying residents to and from their homes across Lake Pend Oreille by boat.

Three high school students were taken across Lake Pend Oreille through rain and sleet early Tuesday morning to attend school.

They are staying with friends until the road is cleared, Von Behren said.

Elementary school students can’t get to school.