Last week’s storm with heavy rain, strong wind and snow caused widespread damage to roads and trails throughout Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, rangers say.
U.S. 2 is closed at Skykomish due to erosion under a bridge. That blocks access to some trails, including Necklace Valley and the East Fork Foss trails. U.S. 2 is unlikely to reopen before Wednesday.
Off U.S. 2, the road to Lake Dorothy is closed by blow-downs and a washout. Crews were working to assess if that could be reopened quickly. The access to Barclay Lake was also blocked by a large tree. It was uncertain when it would be cleared.
Wallace Falls State Park is open, and the trail has been cleared of most debris, according to staff.
The Mountain Loop Highway and Suiattle River Road are also both closed. Forest Service staff have not had time to assess damage on most roads. It will take time to determine what repairs are needed.
On the Granite Falls side, the Mountain Loop Highway is closed at the gate at Deer Creek, between Silverton and Big Four. The Verlot Public Service Center will also be closed Saturday and Sunday, when it would normally be open, due to a power outage and storm damage, said Erika Morris, information specialist for the Darrington District.
On the Darrington side, the Mountain Loop is not recommended for passenger vehicles beyond the White Chuck area, said Phyllis Reed of the Darrington Ranger District. From that point south, the road is intermittently covered with large rocks and wood and the shoulders are slumping in some areas. The gate at the Bedal Creek bridge is closed, blocking all areas south.
That closure prevents access to all trails along the Mountain Loop, which typically is closed in winter when the snow gets deep enough.
The Suiattle River Road also is blocked by downed trees about 15 miles from Highway 530.
The Suiattle closure cuts off access to many popular trailheads, including Green Mountain and Suiattle River trails.
Peter Forbes, Darrington District ranger, said Forest Service staff are gathering information and compiling a list of what is damaged and where. He said there was pretty extensive damage throughout the forest. They are working on cost estimates for repair and hope to request emergency funding from federal highway funds.
Getting all the work done will take time. The district is short staffed, with a few vacancies and seasonal employees gone until next year.
Forbes and Morris both advised using caution if you’re going to drive or hike in the forest. There is likely to be snow at higher elevations.
In addition to the main forest roads, side roads are likely to have damage or trees across them. Staff haven’t had time to assess them all yet.
Morris warned that avalanches are also a risk in some areas, with the freezing level changing quickly.
You can check conditions at 1.usa.gov/193sGRE or by calling the closest ranger station.
Darrington: 360-436-1155, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Skykomish: 360-677-2414, 8 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Verlot: 360-691-7791, usually 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, but closed this weekend.
For other districts, check 1.usa.gov/1sA7qHi.
Stay safe
Check out these tips to stay safe in the winter.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
