The American Alpine Institute office just received the following email from the Washington State Department of Transportation:
"State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway) is temporarily closed due to avalanche danger. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reports that they have had one slide today. SR 20 will be closed through the weekend. WSDOT will reassess the situation on Monday.
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/northcascades
Note: The Highway crews will make sure everyone is out along SR20 and then they will close their gates at M.P. 134 (Ross Dam Trailhead) and at M.P. 171"
Update (2:00 p.m.)
Our director just got off the phone with an individual at the WDOT who stated that there are active slides right now. At least one slide came down Liberty Bell 2 at the hairpin and covered at least part of the road. They are currently trying to get all climbers and skiers out so that they can close the road for the weekend.
