Debris slide blocks highway to Johnston Ridge

A debris slide on Sunday, May 14 has blocked the highway to Johnston Ridge.

The Washington State Department of Transportation stated the slide, which happened around 9 p.m., closed both directions of Spirit Lake Memorial Highway/state Route 504 at milepost 45 near Coldwater Lake. 

WSDOT reported the debris slide covered the highway and washed out the bridge near Loowit Pass at milepost 49. 

“Crews are on scene working to evaluate the situation and determine next steps,” stated a news release. 

There is no estimated timeline for reopening the highway, according to WSDOT.

“Travelers should plan for an extended closure of the highway,” stated the release. 

WSDOT stated weather and road conditions can change rapidly. Travelers can get real-time traffic information on their phone with the WSDOT mobile app or by tracking the WSDOT Southwest Region Twitter feed.