If you can see Mt. Baker, you are part of The Experience
In one of the most surefire signs of the incoming winter, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced crews will be closing State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway) at 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 30.
The highway will be closed on the west side of the Cascades at Ross Dam Trailhead (milepost 134) to Silver Star (milepost 171) on the eastern side of the mountains, according to the WSDOT press release. WSDOT announced that the November 30 date is the second-latest winter closure date in the last decade, and the pass will be reopened in spring. Significant mountain snowfall is expected by Thursday evening, and will likely continue throughout the weekend, with WSDOT warning of up to 20 inches of snow.
For travellers hoping to get across the state after the November 30 closure, U.S. Highway 2 and Interstate 90 will remain open, pending any inclement weather events that often temporarily close passes. In January 2022, WSDOT closed every major Cascade pass due to major snowstorms across western Washington.
With fresh snow, travellers should always be aware of current road conditions and avalanche potential, WSDOT said. For up-to-date information about road conditions, visit www.wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/
For updated avalanche information, Northwest Avalanche Center provides daily updates on conditions across western Washington at www.nwac.us X
