Is Blewett Pass Open Now? The Critical US 97 Status Update You Need For December 2025

Travelers planning to cross the Cascade Mountains via US 97 need to exercise extreme caution: As of today, Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the status of Blewett Pass is highly dynamic and subject to immediate change due to severe winter weather and the lingering effects of the Labor Mountain Fire burn scar. Recent reports from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) have shown the pass oscillating between open with no restrictions and being fully closed in both directions due to weather-related incidents, including heavy snowfall, disabled vehicles, and mudslide concerns. Always check the official WSDOT mountain pass report before you begin your journey, as conditions at the 4,102-foot summit can deteriorate rapidly.

The critical question, "Is Blewett Pass open?" has no single, static answer this winter season. The pass, which carries US Route 97 through the Wenatchee Mountains, is a vital link between the Kittitas Valley and the Wenatchee area, but its high elevation and challenging terrain make it one of Washington's most unpredictable mountain crossings. The recent history of closures—including a record 16-day shutdown earlier this year—underscores the need for real-time information and preparedness for all drivers.

The Current Status of Blewett Pass: December 2025 Real-Time Alerts

The latest updates confirm that Blewett Pass (US 97) remains one of the most volatile mountain routes in Washington State. While a recent WSDOT report indicated no travel restrictions as of late December 16, 2025, with a temperature of 37°F at the summit, other alerts have confirmed full closures in the immediate vicinity due to rapidly changing conditions.

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The closure points typically affect US 97 between the junction of SR 970 at Lauderdale (around milepost 149-150) and Ingalls Creek Road (milepost 177), covering the most hazardous sections of the pass. These closures are not just a matter of snow; they are often preemptive measures taken by WSDOT to manage risks associated with mudslides and avalanches, especially following significant weather events.

Understanding the "Open with Restrictions" Advisory

When the pass is technically "open," drivers must be hyper-aware of potential restrictions. In winter, this almost always means chain requirements. These restrictions are categorized as:

• R-1: Traction tires or chains required on all vehicles except all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles.
• R-2: Chains required on all vehicles except AWD vehicles under 10,000 lbs.
• R-3: Chains required on all vehicles, no exceptions.

Due to the current forecast predicting light rain, rain and snow, and snow showers with temperatures hovering between 20°F and 37°F over the next week, the implementation of R-2 or R-3 chain requirements is highly probable. Commercial vehicles and large trucks must always carry chains when traveling through this corridor during the winter season.

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Why Blewett Pass Closes: A Deep Dive into US 97 Hazards

Blewett Pass, with its high elevation of 4,102 feet, faces a unique combination of natural hazards that contribute to its frequent closures. Understanding these specific risks is crucial for any traveler.

1. Extreme Winter Weather and Snowfall

The most common cause of a closure is heavy snowfall and ice. The pass is notorious for quickly accumulating snow, leading to poor visibility and slick roads. This often results in disabled semi-trucks and multiple-vehicle collisions, which necessitate a full shutdown for clearing and safety.

2. The Lingering Threat of the Labor Mountain Fire Scar

A more recent and persistent threat is the instability caused by the Labor Mountain Fire, which burned through the area in 2025. The fire, which caused the longest closure in Blewett Pass history (16 days in September/October 2025), left behind a massive burn scar.

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This scar significantly increases the risk of two major hazards:

• Mudslides/Debris Flows: Without vegetation to stabilize the soil, heavy rain or snowmelt can trigger dangerous mudslides that dump debris onto the roadway, leading to sudden and often day-long closures.
• Falling Trees: Dead or weakened trees in the burn area pose a constant threat of falling onto the highway, requiring WSDOT to schedule maintenance closures for tree removal and debris cleanup, such as the one scheduled for December 4, 2025.

Essential Traveler's Guide: WSDOT Updates, Chain Requirements, and Alternatives

For safe passage across the Cascades, a proactive approach to travel planning is non-negotiable. Relying on outdated maps or generalized weather forecasts is a recipe for being stranded or facing a lengthy detour. Here is the essential information you need for navigating the Blewett Pass corridor.

How to Get Real-Time Blewett Pass Road Conditions

The single most authoritative source for the status of US 97 over Blewett Pass is the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Travelers should use the following resources:

• WSDOT Mountain Pass Reports: This dedicated page provides the current temperature, elevation, and specific travel restrictions (R-1, R-2, R-3) for both northbound and southbound lanes.
• WSDOT Travel Alerts: Check for specific incident reports, estimated reopening times, and reasons for closure (e.g., "weather-related," "mudslide cleanup," "tree removal").
• Highway Cameras: WSDOT maintains real-time cameras at the Blewett Pass summit (MP 163.8) and other key points, allowing travelers to visually assess road conditions and traffic flow.

Alternative Routes When US 97 is Closed

If US 97 over Blewett Pass is closed, or if conditions are too severe for your vehicle, you have two primary alternative routes to cross the Cascade Mountains. Keep in mind that these passes are also subject to their own closures and restrictions.

1. Snoqualmie Pass (I-90):

Interstate 90 is the most reliable and most-traveled east-west corridor. While it is a longer route for many travelers heading to Leavenworth or Wenatchee, it is maintained to higher standards and is typically the last pass to close. It is an essential backup route when US 97 is impassable. However, I-90 is also susceptible to heavy snowfall, chain requirements, and occasional closures due to mudslides or major accidents.

2. Stevens Pass (US 2):

Located further north, Stevens Pass is an alternative for destinations like Leavenworth. It is a scenic route but is often more challenging than I-90, with steeper grades and more winding roads. It is also frequently closed due to heavy snow and avalanche danger, making it a risky alternative during severe weather.

In summary, the best strategy for traveling across Blewett Pass this winter is to assume it could be closed and to have a backup plan ready. The combination of unpredictable winter weather and the ongoing instability from the Labor Mountain Fire scar means that the pass's status can change in the time it takes to drive to the summit. Always carry emergency supplies, a full tank of gas, and chains, and check the WSDOT report immediately before you depart.