WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Washington State Department of Transportation issued the following statement today, Friday, December 19, 2025, regarding the closure of the Mount Baker Highway (SR542) about 2.5 miles east of Glacier.
The historic string of destructive storms that created difficulties for many people statewide the past two weeks certainly did not leave the northwest corner of the state alone. Unfortunately, we’re still feeling the effects.
State Route 542/Mount Baker Highway will remain closed east of Glacier at milepost 35 until further notice. Only essential utility and maintenance crews will be allowed beyond the closure point until the road is safe to reopen for travel.
Advertisement
Click for more informationAdvertisement
Click for more informationWith imminent winter weather and the road condition it was determined that opening even one lane wouldn’t be possible.
We understand this closure prevents people from reaching beloved winter recreational areas at the Mt. Baker Ski Area and in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, and we did not make this decision lightly. The closure was made in the interest of safety, and we ask everyone to respect the well-marked closure points. This is an active work zone, and the safety of travelers and our crews is of utmost importance.
A culvert and the road will need additional repairs, but we need to understand the scope. Our experts, including geotechnical and hydraulic engineers, are evaluating the area, which will help us develop a repair plan, get a contractor in place and determine a timeline for reopening SR 542 as quickly and safely as possible.
Advertisement
Click for more informationAdvertisement
Click for more information– Washington State Department of Transportation (December 19, 2025)
Noting, “The snow is stacking up at Baker and forecasts are calling for continued snowfall through the week,” Mount Baker Ski Area issued the following statement.
The highway is closed to all public traffic, but our crew has been working with the DOT to get our crew to the mountain with special access to prep for possible opening. Setting rope lines, grooming, cutting fries, and all the myriad jobs that have to happen to get a ski area up and going. We are continuing to be confident for Christmas on the mountain.
Advertisement
Click for more informationAdvertisement
Click for more informationBe aware that the Ski Area is currently CLOSED and HWY 542 is CLOSED east of Glacier.. PLEASE give the WSDOT Crew the time, space and safety to do their work … RESPECT ALL CLOSURES! DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ACCESS THE SKI AREA UNTIL THE HIGHWAY IS OPEN!!!
– Mount Baker Ski Area (December 18, 2025)
Discover more from Whatcom News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
