State Route 20 North Cascades Highway closing temporarily at 5 p.m., Nov. 15 due to snowfall

With significant snowfall forecast through the weekend, the WDOT will temporarily the North Cascades Highway at 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15.

By Gazette-Tribune • November 14, 2024 5:00 pm
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The weather can change quickly on the SR 20 North Cascades Highway. These pictures were taken within two days of each other in October. WSDOT photos
The weather can change quickly on the SR 20 North Cascades Highway. These pictures were taken within two days of each other in October. WSDOT photos

WINTHROP – With significant snowfall forecast through the weekend, the Washington State Department of Transportation will temporarily close State Route 20 North Cascades Highway at 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15.

The closure will be between Ross Dam Trailhead (milepost 134) on the west side and Silver Star (milepost 171) gate on the east side.

Colder, drier weather is forecast beginning Sunday night and into next week, and maintenance and avalanche crews will reassess conditions on Monday, Nov. 18 with the potential to clear and reopen that section of the highway. 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.

Travelers should prepare for the seasonal closure of North Cascades Highway. The earliest closure date was Oct. 17 in 2003. Road closure updates are posted on real-time travel map and the mountain pass page. More information about how crews evaluate for the seasonal closure of SR 20 North Cascades is available on the WSDOT blog.

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