Key Takeaways:
- Nearly 50 miles of U.S. Highway 2 will remain closed through the weekend due to flooding and mudslides
- The closure stretches from Skykomish to Leavenworth, between mileposts 50 and 99
- WSDOT urges travelers to use alternate routes, such as U.S. 97 over Blewett Pass and state Route 28 through Quincy
- Travelers should heed all road closures, remain alert for cleanup crews and emergency responders, and avoid driving through mudslides or standing water
- Power outages have been reported in portions of Leavenworth and Chelan County, and the Village of Lights festivities in Leavenworth have been canceled this weekend
Introduction to the Closure
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced that a significant stretch of U.S. Highway 2 will remain closed through the weekend due to the devastating effects of flooding and mudslides. The closure, which spans nearly 50 miles, is a result of water and debris covering the road in multiple locations, making it impassable for travelers. The affected area stretches from Skykomish to Leavenworth, between mileposts 50 and 99, and WSDOT has confirmed that there is no estimated time for the road to reopen.
Extent of the Damage
Viewer video shared with KING 5 shows the severity of the situation, with large portions of Highway 2 no longer visible due to the overwhelming amount of water and debris. A warning sign in Sultan alerts drivers that U.S. 2 beyond Skykomish is unusable, and Todd Brunner, a Skykomish resident, has reported that mudslides have impacted a long stretch of the highway. According to Brunner, "There are slides from Lake Wenatchee to Skykomish, all the way across — that is about 40 miles of road." WSDOT has confirmed that the closure will remain in place through the weekend, with plans to assess conditions again on Monday.
Challenges in Assessing the Situation
WSDOT spokesperson Lauren Loebsack explained that ongoing water flow and large mudslides are preventing crews from fully accessing parts of the pass. "Since water is actively still running and there are some mudslides that are too large to see over and access right now, we’re not sure what’s happening further inside the pass fully," Loebsack said. "Right now, we are still responding where we can." The agency is working to respond to the situation, but the challenging conditions are making it difficult to determine the full extent of the damage.
Impact on Local Communities
In areas near Index that have recently reopened, the Skykomish River remains swollen and fast-moving, with Brunner pointing to the river’s color as evidence of the amount of debris being carried downstream. "You can see by the color of it how much material — how much sand and gravel — is being washed and swept down," he said. The situation is also having an impact on local communities, with Skykomish residents taking in stranded travelers. Brunner noted that residents are used to being isolated, but it can be a significant issue for travelers who become trapped. "We’re used to being isolated a week at a time, so for residents it’s not a big deal," Brunner said. "For travelers that get trapped, it is a big deal, and we had a couple dozen of those over the past couple of days."
Alternate Routes and Safety Precautions
WSDOT is urging travelers to use alternate routes, such as U.S. 97 over Blewett Pass and state Route 28 through Quincy. The agency is also reporting power outages in portions of Leavenworth and Chelan County, and the Village of Lights festivities in Leavenworth have been canceled this weekend as local crews focus on road conditions and community impacts. Travelers are advised to heed all road closures, remain alert for cleanup crews and emergency responders, avoid driving through mudslides or standing water, stay inside their vehicles rather than attempting to clear debris, and avoid downed power lines. By taking these precautions, travelers can help ensure their safety and the safety of others during this challenging time.
