WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Northbound I-5 remains closed from milepost 246 to milepost 250 following landslides on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The incident occurred about 9:30pm near milepost 248.
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reports the landslides deposited between 2,000 and 3,000 cubic yards of rock, soil, and trees onto the roadway. The debris field measures approximately 100 to 250 feet wide. Debris originated from a slope between 60 and 80 feet above the interstate.
WSDOT executed an emergency contract with Interwest Construction Inc. on March 21, 2026. Mobilization began the same day, with clearing operations start the next day.
On March 25, 2026, specialty crews began scaling the slope to remove loose rock using hand tools and compressed air. Work is also underway to break apart rocks, some of which are reportedly larger than a bus.
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WSDOT officials stated on March 25, 2026, that no estimated timeline for reopening the lanes is available. “Until we understand and stabilize what’s above the highway, reopening, even partially, is not possible,” according to a WSDOT statement. Officials noted that some debris on the roadway is currently acting as a buffer to protect the road surface and stabilize the slope.
Crews are working 7 days a week during daylight hours.
All northbound traffic is being diverted at Exit 246 (North Lake Samish Road). Flaggers control the off-ramp intersection during daylight hours. Recommended alternate routes include Valley Highway (SR9) to Mount Baker Highway (SR542) for freight and Chuckanut Drive (SR11) for passenger vehicles.
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