WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — First responders were dispatched about 9pm, Thursday, March 19, 2026, to the northbound lanes of I-5 south of Lake Padden between mileposts 248 and 249 due to reports of multiple landslides and at least 1 injury crash.
As of 10pm, law enforcement on the scene were working to free up motorists stuck behind the slides and northbound traffic was being diverted off I-5 at the N Lake Samish off-ramp.
As of 10:30pm, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reported fallen trees were blocking all lanes and there was no estimate for reopening the lanes.
Witnesses are reporting via social media that trees and boulders were seen on the roadway.
About 10:30pm, WSDOT said 1 slide occurred near milepost 248 and the second was fully blocking the interstate near milepost 249. “Motorists should seek alternate routes and expect delays.” They added that both directions of Chuckanut Drive (SR11) also are blocked by a slide south of the Skagit County line near milepost 12. This slide was reported cleared just before midnight.
WSDOT issued an update at 11:35pm advising that northbound I-5 will remain closed overnight. All northbound traffic will divert off of I-5 at N Lake Samish Road (exit 246). WSDOT noted that N Lake Samish Road is not suitable for freight traffic.
WSDOT geotechnical engineers have been advised and are expected will evaluate the area tomorrow morning.
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