GLACIER, Wash. — Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced today, Wednesday, October 16th, the gate to the final 2.7 miles of the Mount Baker Highway (SR542) was closed at 8am today for the winter season.
This morning WSDOT maintenance crews closed the section of road known as the road to Artist Point.
Each year, crews remove snow and ice from the highway throughout the winter, however, this final stretch is narrow with sharp curves and steep slopes and closes annually to vehicle traffic for safety. Additionally, a portion of this road becomes part of the Mt. Baker ski area’s terrain.
This year’s closing is 1 week earlier than the October 23rd closure in 2023. The earliest closure was September 27th in 2007.
While the gate is closed, backcountry recreationalists can still access the area and should check conditions in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and the Northwest Avalanche Center.
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