Overview
- More than 40 miles of U.S. Route 2 remain closed between Skykomish and Leavenworth, with officials warning the corridor may stay shut for months and no detour available.
- Engineers report sections of the highway have collapsed into the Wenatchee River or are buried by slide debris, with parts still underwater, halting permanent repair work.
- North Cascades access is severely limited as Stehekin lost its water treatment plant and park staff warn visitors that no services are available under an evacuation order.
- The Mt. Baker Highway (SR 542) is shut at milepost 35 because of multiple slides, with work to stabilize slopes pushing any reopening until at least December 19.
- The toll extends beyond infrastructure, with at least one storm-related death, over 1,200 evacuations and rescues, and Skykomish businesses reporting steep revenue losses.