Work Underway Along State Route 706, Mount Rainier Remains Closed

ASHFORD, WA — State transportation crews were still working to clear a "muddy, debris-covered mess" Tuesday after torrential rains brought down large boulders and a thick layer of debris on State Route 706, east of Ashford. The road has been closed for five days.

In an update posted Tuesday afternoon, WSDOT said geotechnical engineers had outlined a plan to clear the "road to Paradise" for access by emergency crews and residents who live or work near Mount Rainier National Park.

According to WSDOT, engineers are concentrating on two slide sides — each with a unique set of challenges. Crews are set to begin working at milepost 11, redirecting streams that are flowing over the highway, and removing debris. WSDOT did not have an estimate for when the partial reopening might be possible.

While work continues to restore the road leading into Mount Rainier's main entrance, National Park Service staff are working in conjunction with other federal agencies to assess the damage within the park's boundaries. Mount Rainier closed to guests on Saturday, Feb. 8.

An NPS spokesperson said floodwaters had started to recede in some areas, but concerns remained along the road leading further into the park at Sunshine Point, about two miles from the Nisqually Entrance.

NPS will work with federal highway crews to determine if the road is safe for travel. Normally, the route is one of the only year-round ways for vehicles to access popular winter destinations in the park, like Paradise, Longmire and the National Park Inn. NPS said a date for the park's reopening would be dependent on that road's assessment. According to the latest forecasts, more precipitation is likely around Mount Rainier between Thursday and Monday.

Parks staff continues to plow roads and evaluate properties and buildings for damage. An NPS spokesperson said flooding occurred in the basements of at least two buildings in the Longmire area, including the administration facility and at the inn. An updated outlook for reopening the park is expected later in the week.

State Route 410, which was closed for several days after four landslides, reopened between Enumclaw and Crystal Mountain on Monday evening.