US 2 fully reopened across Stevens Pass after snowstorm

GOLD BAR, Wash. -- Officials say US 2 has fully reopened across Stevens Pass.

A 30-mile stretch of the highway was closed between Gold Bar and the Stevens Pass summit on Sunday after heavy snowfall caused trees and power lines to fall.

The Washington Department of Transportation said crews spent Thursday clearing the final downed power lines and hazardous trees from the highway and then plowed and treated it.

 

The Sunday snowstorm knocked out power to thousands of people and many were stranded while the highway was shut down.

Residents in Skykomish are used to snow, but the most challenging thing now is the power outages.

“No power, no heat for a week in the mountains is pretty rough,” Jonathan Streeter said.

With US 2 shut down for days, Streeter says he couldn’t get to his home until Thursday.

He’s been nervous for days because his pet dog and cat were at home.

Streeter says he is grateful for a nearby friend who took care of his pets.

“These guys have been roughing it more than me since Friday without power,” Streeter said.

Skykomish residents say all the waiting around to get back to normal is blurring the days together.

Puget Sound Energy says it could be another 4 to 6 days before power is restored. The challenge is all the trees that are down and areas that have waist deep snow in some parts.

On the railroad tracks between Skykomish and Baring, PSE crews say there were 600 trees down.

As residents go into another cold night, the Masonic Lodge was open for much of it providing necessities and food.

“We mainly need fuel and food this food bank has been really great,” Rebekah Jay said.

WSDOT is asking people to remain cautious as they travel through the area.