Local WSDOT Project Aims to Mitigate Wildfire Debris Flow Risks on U.S. 2/Stevens Pass Highway

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is finishing a project to prevent debris flows on U.S. 2/Stevens Pass Highway. This project was started after the 2022 Bolt Creek Fire, which left large areas of dry soil and ashes, known as 'burn areas', in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. These areas can cause rapid landslides, or debris flows, especially during heavy rain or quick snowmelt. These flows are a risk to people, property, and the highway.

After the fire, WSDOT staff found two areas near the burn area, about four miles northwest of Skykomish, that were at a higher risk of debris flows. The Bolt Creek wildfire caused multiple closures of U.S. 2 east of Gold Bar due to the active fire and falling debris. The area affected by the fire will likely take years to recover.

To lessen the possible impact of debris flows, WSDOT built walls, berms, and fences along parts of U.S. 2. These structures are meant to protect the road and its stormwater culverts. Two debris fences, one 60 feet long and the other 110 feet long, were built above specific culverts to stop debris from blocking them.

WSDOT also built a six-foot-tall berm made of natural materials along another part of the road. This 94-foot-long berm, which needed nearly 300 tons of material to build, is meant to direct any possible debris flows away from U.S. 2 and into a lower natural area near the highway. In spring 2024, WSDOT will add native plant seeds to help stabilize the berm area.

WSDOT maintenance crews will keep monitoring the highway along the burn area, clearing ditches and culverts, and watching for early signs of possible debris flows. While WSDOT hopes that the berm and fences won't be tested by a debris flow, they have taken steps to lower the risk and keep U.S. 2 open as the area recovers from the Bolt Creek Fire.

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