Snowfall forces this early closing for North Cascades Highway
Highway 20, the state’s northernmost pass across the North Cascades, will close for the winter season at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10.
Also called Highway 20 or State Route 20, the scenic road connecting Skagit County to the Methow Valley typically closes because of avalanche danger after the first significant snowfall of winter, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
A closing date of Nov. 15 was set about two weeks ago, but several feet of snow has fallen since last weekend.
“We hoped to stay open until Nov. 15, but with snow today and warmer/wet conditions on the way, the risk of avalanche is too great,” WSDOT said on Twitter
The closure point will be Milepost 134, east of the mountain village of Newhalem at the Ross Dam Trailhead, WSDOT said.
Highway 20 usually opens in May, allowing Whatcom County residents easier access to warmer spring weather in Eastern Washington.
