North Cascades Highway to close temporarily at 5 p.m. Nov. 13 due to snowfall

(NORTH CASCADES)- With a significant snow and rain forecast, the Washington State Department of Transportation will temporarily close State Route 20 North Cascades Highway at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13. The closure will be between Ross Dam Trailhead (milepost 134) on the west side and Silver Star gate (milepost 171) on the east side.

Drier weather is in the forecast beginning next week, and maintenance and avalanche crews will reassess conditions on Monday, Nov. 17, 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 and winter maintenance needs throughout the region.

The earliest closure date for the North Cascades Highway was Oct. 17 in 2003, and the route was closed for the season on Nov. 18 in 2024.