WSDOT announces Highway 20 will close for winter ahead of snowstorm forecast for the weekend
North Cascades Highway, the most northern crossing to eastern Washington, will close Friday, Nov. 15, possibly for the winter season, because of heavy snow forecast through the weekend.
The closure will be between Ross Dam Trailhead at milepost 134 on the west side and Silver Star gate at milepost 171 on the east side, the Washington State Department of Transportation said in a statement.
“Colder, drier weather is forecast beginning Sunday night and into next week, and maintenance and avalanche crews will reassess conditions on Monday with the potential to clear and reopen that section of the highway,” WSDOT said.
“There is no estimated time to reopen. Reopening the route is not certain and is based on multiple factors, including snowpack levels in avalanche pathways,” WSDOT said.
The North Cascades Highway, also called the Highway 20 or State Route 20, closes every winter season because of avalanche danger east of Newhalem in Whatcom County.
Without Highway 20, drivers can use U.S. Highway 2 east of Everett or Interstate 90 east of Seattle to cross the North Cascades.
This story was originally published November 15, 2024 at 9:31 AM.
