Snow clearing scheduled to start March 25
information and photos released by WSDOT; photo above – drone shot of North Cascades Highway and Liberty Bell
Hello fellow North Cascades enthusiasts: The SR 20 North Cascades reopening assessment day was March 5, and was a beautiful excursion for the crew that ventured up past the closure points to check conditions. After the field review, the team made their plan for this year’s reopening and clearing work will begin Monday, March 25.
Getting ready for spring reopening work
The seasonal closures are between Silver Star gate (milepost 171) and the Ross Lake Dam (milepost 134). The report from the field is that the snowpack is lighter than normal up through Rainy and Washington passes (about 40 inches deep on the road near the summit of Washington Pass). This could mean a quicker opening effort, instead of the usual 6 to 8 weeks. But it’s tough to be certain as the reopening is weather dependent as well as the potential for rock and debris to be under the snow slides, which always makes reopening a little more challenging. Our crews are currently getting equipment prepped and mobilized.
In the meantime, if you have a snowmobile parked behind the closure point, now is the time to get it moved. We want to be able to get to work on March 25 without having to tow anyone’s sled, so please move your sleds prior to the work start.
What’s ahead for SR 20 travel in 2024
When a road closes for almost half the year, that means any maintenance or construction has to happen when conditions allow. If you’re heading over the North Cascades this year, you should plan to encounter work.
Signing up for travel advisories, and checking our real time travel map and our mountain pass page are the best ways to get the information you’ll need to plan your trip.
Summit at Washington Pass, WSDOT photo
SR 20/Olson Creek Fish passage work continues
The Olson Creek fish passage construction project is working to replace the existing fish barrier culvert crossings on SR 20 at Unnamed Tributary to Skagit River (milepost 94) and Olson Creek (milepost 105) with fish passable water crossing structures.
At Unnamed Tributary to Skagit River (milepost 94), our contractor crews have removed the existing barriers, installed soldier pile walls, excavated, and placed materials for the bridge walls, and are on their way to paving the roadway. Work on the Olson Creek (milepost 105) with fish passable water crossing structures begins in April 2024. For this section of work, travelers should expect a 4-day full road closure.
Until the North Cascades opens
The reopening effort means that during the week, the space behind the closure points is a work zone. For the safety of you and our crew, please stay out of the area during working hours. Crews typically work Monday through Thursday between 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Any changes to the work schedule will be shared on the real time travel map.
When crews are not working, many choose to recreate behind the closure points. Keep in mind that the road is otherwise closed and unmaintained, and there is no cell service on the passes. For those that choose to visit the back country, please check in on conditions with the Northwest Avalanche Center .
We will continue to provide clearing updates every Friday until reopening day and are looking forward to sharing more from behind the scenes of one of the world’s prettiest work zones. As done in previous years, we’ve started a Flickr album to share pictures and video of the opening work.
Safe travels and have a good weekend-
Lauren Loebsack, Communications
