Traffic & Transit
Stevens Pass Remains Closed After Snowstorm Topples Trees
Washington State Patrol said heavy snow on trees and wires made the pass too dangerous for travelers. It remains closed indefinitely.
STEVENS PASS, WA — There is no estimate for when Stevens Pass might reopen after troopers closed the road in both directions, between Gold Bar and the summit, Sunday night. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, Sunday's storm dropped heavy snow on the trees, creating an ongoing danger that more of them could fall, and presenting hazards for drivers and maintenance crews alike.
On US 2: In the light of day it's easier to see the potential hazard for falling trees. That tilt you see means the trees are burdened with snow and could fall or break. This is what we are seeing between Skykomish and the summit right now. The pass remains closed. pic.twitter.com/qughQsgxxo
— WSDOT East (@WSDOT_East) January 13, 2020
UPDATE US 2 between Gold Bar and Stevens Pass summit in both directions will remain closed until further notice because of downed trees and power lines. Here's a look at the conditions behind the closure point. #snow pic.twitter.com/baWN7HTFis
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) January 13, 2020
The extended closure stranded some travelers in the Skykomish area overnight, including several buses full of middle school students. Troopers set up a convoy Monday morning to retrieve the students and a few others stuck within the closure zone. According to the King County Sheriff's Office, nearly 200 people were stranded, and many people slept in their vehicles overnight.
Washington State Patrol said there would be one more escort to clear the backups Monday, but the pass would remain closed with no estimate for reopening.
Find out what's happening in Across Washingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
We were able to successfully set up a convoy with @wsdot_passes for everyone, including 3 buses full of middle school students, that were stuck overnight in Skykomish! #welcomeback #drivesafe pic.twitter.com/KsQrWXZUjj
— Trooper H. Axtman (@wspd7pio) January 13, 2020
A parent says students that were stuck overnight @StevensPass were from Seattle Academy; US 2 was closed this AM but @wspd7pio said troopers escorted several buses filled with students & dozens of other vehicles down from the pass @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/L5brGoAwe2
— Ranji Sinha (@RanjiKIRO7) January 13, 2020
LOCATION OF CLOSURES
Highway 2 remains closed in both directions between milepost 32, at Gold Bar, and milepost 64, at the Stevens Pass summit. Highway 2 is open from the summit to Leavenworth, and other points east, with chain requirements.
Find out what's happening in Across Washingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Reminder: Both directions of US 2 between #GoldBar and the #StevensPass summit are closed due to downed trees and power lines. This closure will remain in place until further notice. Drivers can still head east from the summit. https://t.co/gzmPQH4aVd pic.twitter.com/enUys7PDNC
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) January 13, 2020
Breaking: Stevens Pass closed ‘indefinitely’ per WSP @wspd7pio #komonews 330/6p pic.twitter.com/JXdbZAnZlV
— Michelle Esteban (@MichelleKOMO) January 13, 2020
On US 2 Stevens Pass remains closed between Gold Bar (milepost 32) and the summit (milepost 64). You can still get to @StevensPass from the east side by way of Leavenworth but be prepared as chains are required. pic.twitter.com/3IGMw24dbI
— WSDOT East (@WSDOT_East) January 13, 2020
Due to extreme weather there are closures along Highway 2 this morning. We will have limited operations on mountain today. Please stay safe and check WSDOT Twitter and website for updates. pic.twitter.com/dM5Ne5GFvq
— Stevens Pass (@StevensPass) January 13, 2020
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