Key Takeaways
- State Route 410, a major highway in Enumclaw, has reopened after emergency repairs due to flooding damage
- The highway is a main route to Crystal Mountain ski resort, which has lifted parking reservation requirements for certain days
- Repairs included rebuilding the foundation of the highway and repaving the damaged road surface
- Parking reservations are still required on weekends, holidays, and certain peak days
- The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) worked to complete repairs quickly to minimize disruption to locals and travelers
Introduction to the Damage
The recent flooding in the Enumclaw area caused significant damage to state Route 410, a major highway that serves as a primary route to Crystal Mountain ski resort. The flooding, which occurred on December 10, was caused by an atmospheric river that washed away a portion of the road near Boise Creek. This damage not only affected locals but also skiers and snowboarders who were eager to hit the slopes at Crystal Mountain. The ski resort, which opened for the season on December 20, had to implement mandatory parking reservation requirements to limit the amount of traffic on the highway while repairs were being made.
Repair Efforts
Crews from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) worked diligently to complete emergency repairs on the damaged highway. The repairs, which began on December 22, included rebuilding the foundation of the highway and repaving the damaged road surface. This was a complex and time-sensitive task, as the highway is a critical route for both locals and travelers. To manage traffic while repairs were underway, WSDOT installed a temporary traffic light to allow one-way traffic around the damage. The agency urged people to only use the road if they were locals or had essential travel needs, in an effort to minimize disruption and ensure safety.
Reopening of the Highway
After just a few days of repair work, crews finished the emergency repairs on December 23, and both lanes of traffic on state Route 410 were reopened. This is a significant relief for locals, as well as skiers and snowboarders who are eager to enjoy the slopes at Crystal Mountain. With the repairs complete, the ski resort has lifted its mandatory parking reservation requirements for certain days, including December 24-25 and midweek days in January. However, parking reservations are still required on weekends, holidays, and certain peak days, such as December 26 through January 4, 2026.
Impact on Crystal Mountain Ski Resort
The reopening of state Route 410 is a welcome development for Crystal Mountain ski resort, which has been working to manage traffic and parking during the peak holiday season. With the repairs complete, the resort is able to lift its mandatory parking reservation requirements for certain days, making it easier for skiers and snowboarders to plan their trips. However, the resort still encourages visitors to plan ahead and make parking reservations for peak days, in order to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. By working together with WSDOT and other stakeholders, Crystal Mountain is able to provide a great experience for its visitors, while also minimizing the impact of traffic and parking on the surrounding community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the emergency repairs to state Route 410 have been completed, and the highway has reopened to traffic. This is a significant relief for locals and travelers, as well as skiers and snowboarders who are eager to enjoy the slopes at Crystal Mountain. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) worked quickly and efficiently to complete the repairs, and the ski resort has lifted its mandatory parking reservation requirements for certain days. As the holiday season continues, it is essential for travelers to plan ahead and make parking reservations for peak days, in order to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. With the repairs complete and the highway reopened, state Route 410 is once again a safe and reliable route for travelers, and Crystal Mountain ski resort is ready to welcome visitors from near and far.
