avalanche

With heavy snow in the forecast for the mountains of North Central Washington in the days ahead, the National Forest Service is reminding visitors to be aware of the risk for avalanches. Spokesperson Robin DeMario with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest says it's always important to check the latest avalanche forecasts before venturing into mountainous areas...

The Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced the seasonal closure of the North Cascades Highway. The 37-mile stretch of State Route 20 between the Ross Dam Trailhead (milepost 134) and Silver Star (milepost 171) closes annually due to heavy snowfall and avalanche risks during the colder months...

The road has been closed since Saturday morning between the Ross Dam trailhead and Silver Star gate.

Two significant rock slides have prompted the Department of Transportation to assess the risk for more slides.

U.S. 2 reopened after crews from the Department of Transportation cleared 10 snow slides across the highway.

WSDOT spokesperson Lauren Loebsack said dangerous weather conditions are currently prohibiting crews from assessing the situations.

An ice storm closed down I-90 Snoqualmie Pass for about 24-hours heading into Christmas Day, while U.S. 2 Stevens Pass was closed for most of four days during and after the holiday weekend.

The avalanche warning remains in effect through Saturday evening at 4 p.m.