Snow removal of State Route 20 generally takes 6-8 weeks

information released

Don’t forget, spring clearing of SR 20 North Cascades Highway begins Monday, March 25!

Ready for 2024 reopening work

Clearing crews have been preparing and mobilizing equipment to start work on SR 20 at Silver Star (milepost 171). While it’s a lighter snowpack than the last couple years, there is still plenty of time for winter weather in the mountains and anyone with knowledge of the North Cascades knows a spring storm is not unheard of, or even unusual. Since the clearing work is dependent on conditions, at this point we don’t have any kind of estimate on the reopening schedule except the reminder that this work typically takes between 6 and 8 weeks.

If you have a snowmobile parked behind the closure point, please be sure to move it by this weekend. Crews want to be able to start strong next Monday and don’t want to have to spend the first day towing sleds.

What’s ahead for SR 20 travel in 2024

If you’re planning a trip on this incredible scenic route this year, remember that there is a narrow window of time to do necessary maintenance and construction in the mountains, and you should expect to encounter some kind of road work on your trip. 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 make travel plans.

SR 20/Olson Creek Fish passage work continues

The Olson Creek fish passage construction project replaces 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

It is important to remember that starting Monday, the road behind the closure points is a work zone. For your safety and that of our crews, 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.

Keep in mind that the road is otherwise closed and unmaintained between milepost 134 and 171, and there is no cell service on the passes. For those that choose to visit the back country on the weekends, please check in on conditions with the Northwest Avalanche Center.

We will provide clearing updates every Friday until reopening day. In the meantime, we are sharing pictures and video on Flickr so you can follow along with the work happening in one of the prettiest work zones in the world.

Safe travels and have a good weekend-
Lauren Loebsack, Communications 509-667-2815
North Central Region-Wenatchee