Last chance for a car-free bike ride this weekend

information released 

Hello fellow North Cascades enthusiasts: Let’s get right to the good stuff: SR 20 North Cascades Highway is mostly cleared of snow. The second part of this story is that the road is still closed and will remain so through the weekend at least.

If the roadway is cleared, why isn’t the pass open?

Last week’s clearing wrapped up with 6 miles to go between the east side and west side, but warm spring weather also increased avalanche potential. Even after a weekend of warm weather and plenty of melt off, there is still a lot of snow in the loading zones of the avalanche pathways. On Tuesday, our avalanche team performed mitigation in the Liberty Bell avalanche paths and the results were substantial – several slides completely across the road,  the largest estimated at 25 feet deep. While there is a path cut through it, clearing the road completely of the snow and debris will take the rest of the week. Additionally, there remains some guardrail repair, hazard tree removal and final clean up items on the “To Do” list.

Last chance for a car-free bike ride

For those of you who have followed the North Cascades Highway spring clearing from year- to-year, you know it’s tough to say when exactly we will open. If Mother Nature and equipment cooperate, we are looking to reopen by Mother’s Day weekend, May 12. This means there is the rare opportunity to bike across Rainy and Washington passes this weekend, May 5. If that’s something you’ve been waiting for it’s probably the last chance to ride the route without traffic prior to the spring reopening.

If you do adventure behind the closure points, it’s vital to be prepared. There are no facilities and no cell service over the passes. The Northwest Avalanche Center has shared some important tips  for backcountry recreating to help you plan for a safe trip this spring. I’ve shared this newsletter early in the week so you can make plans, but for everyone’s safety, please keep out of the area Monday through Thursday while our crews are working hard to open the North Cross.

Stay tuned, we will be sure to share any updates when plans are confirmed. As always, we will post updates on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, too.

Take care and safe travels-
Lauren Loebsack, Communications
North Central Region-Wenatchee