A mudslide west of Rainy Pass has closed SR 20 in both directions at the east- and west-side closure gates until Thursday afternoon, July 30. Crews expect to reopen the highway about 4 p.m. They have about 300 yards of mud and debris in a 10-foot-deep swath across the highway to remove, and need to ensure the slope is stable before they will reopen the road.
The gates are closed on the west side just east of Diablo (milepost 134) and 14 miles west Mazama (milepost 171) on the east side. The gates were manned overnight to make sure anyone camping or hiking in between the gates could get out.
The slide was reported about 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, and responding crews began bringing in equipment and working last night. They stopped at dusk because it was too dangerous to work in the area in the dark. Crews were back early this morning. How quickly they can safely remove the debris and ensure that the slope is stabilized will determine when the highway reopens.
Another e-mail update will be sent when the pass reopens. You can also check the North Cascades Web page for more information.