Washington’s Winter on Hold: Infrastructure Crisis Hits the Cascades

The atmospheric river that hammered the Pacific Northwest has officially shifted from a weather event into a long-term infrastructure crisis. While the "river in the sky" has finally begun to recede, the scars left behind on Washington’s mountain corridors are deeper than anyone anticipated. Governor Bob Ferguson confirmed the news many feared. A 49-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 2 is closed between Skykomish and Leavenworth. The closure is expected to last for months due to catastrophic washouts and ongoing landslide risks.

The damage to US 2 isn't just a matter of clearing debris. Entire sections of the highway have simply ceased to exist, having been swallowed by the Wenatchee River or buried under feet of landslide mud. Washington Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith noted that crews are battling active slide areas where the earth is still moving, making it impossible to even begin permanent repairs in some locations. For the adventure community, this means the primary artery to Stevens Pass from the west is severed indefinitely.

There is a fine line between celebrating deep days and acknowledging the reality of closed resorts and at-risk jobs. This crisis is a critical moment to support our small, independent ski areas—the soul of skiing we spotlighted in our 2024 film Mountains Not For Profit.

Indie hills like Hurricane Ridge, Loup Loup Ski Bowl, and Mt. Spokane often operate as non-profits or community-run co-ops. They don't have the deep pockets of mega-resorts and rely on every single operating day to keep the lights on. When infrastructure fails, these mountains are the most vulnerable. Supporting them now—whether through future ticket sales, donations, or local advocacy—is how we ensure the spirit of the mountains remains unbroken.

With mountain access becoming a logistical puzzle, local resorts are stepping up to help riders navigate the uncertainty. The Summit at Snoqualmie has activated its "Worry-Free Winter Assurance" program.

Further north, the story is one of "so close yet so far". Mt. Baker is expecting feet of fresh snow as temperatures finally drop, but getting there remains the challenge. The Mt. Baker Highway (SR 542) is currently closed at milepost 35 near Glacier due to multiple slides. While crews are working around the clock, officials estimate the road will remain closed until at least December 19 as they work to stabilize the slopes and clear the way for the legendary Baker snowpack.

The road to recovery will be as steep as the lines we scout, but if there is one thing the TGR community knows, it is how to adapt to the conditions. While the loss of Highway 2 for the coming months is a heavy hit to the PNW season, the spirit of the mountains remains unbroken. As we wait for the asphalt to be replaced and the gates to Mt. Baker to swing open, keep your eyes on the forecast and your plans flexible. We will be right here with you, tracking every update and waiting for that first legal turn back in the alpine.