Work being done to clear North Cascades Highway

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Skagit Valley Herald

State Department of Transportation crews began the job Monday of clearing the North Cascades Highway of snow, according to a department news release.

The annual task of clearing the 37-mile stretch that connects the Skagit and Methow valleys is expected to take four to six weeks.

By mid-morning Tuesday, crews from the east side had cleared about 14 miles of one lane from Early Winters to the Lone Fir campground.

For the time being, the barricades will remain in place at Early Winters as crews need to remove trees that pose a danger to travelers.

On the west side, work is currently being done from Colonial Creek to the Ross Lake Overlook.

Once crews clear the snow from the highway, they will make necessary repairs before the highway can be opened.

During an assessment trip March 18, department avalanche and maintenance staff found 6 feet of snow at Rainy and Washington passes — about 4 feet less than last year.

Last spring, crews needed seven weeks to clear the highway. Clearing started March 26, and the highway reopened May 11.