Photo taken shortly after the landslide.  This image shows a barge landing, dock and pickup truck that were destroyed by the slide.

Ross Powerhouse Rockslide Recovery

North Cascades National Park Service Complex » Ross Powerhouse Rockslide Recovery » Document List

Current status:
Rock scaling and blasting have been completed and permanent road and facility repairs are in process. Public safety hazards remain so a short segment of the Ross Dam Haul Road between the Diablo Lake suspension bridge and the tunnel remains closed to public. Please refer to the "Document List" link at left, which includes a map of the closed area. Pedestrian access between the Diablo Lake Trail and the Big Beaver Trail remains closed. This closure will likely remain in effect through mid-2015. For more information, please refer to the closure map, and/or contact the park's backcountry and wilderness information center (360-854-7245).

Background:
In March 2010 a rockslide within Ross Lake National Recreation Area destroyed several facilities including a segment of the Ross Dam haul road. These facilities were used by Seattle City Light (SCL) for hydroelectric operations, and by the National Park Service for recreational access between Diablo Lake and Ross Lake

Immediately after the rockslide, SCL worked in coordination with the National Park Service (NPS) to reestablish temporary access for hydroelectric and recreational uses. Since then, SCL has developed a long-term plan to permanently reestablish safe access to hydroelectric facilities in a manner that minimizes potential impacts to park resources and values, including recreational uses.

We have completed our Environmental Analysis (EA) and public review. As described in the Finding of No Significant Impact, our decision is to authorize long term recovery actions as described in Alternative B in the EA.

SCL began scaling and long-term repairs in spring 2012, and this work continues . The project is expected to be completed in 2014.

We expect this project will have minimal impact on park visitors, however, the area remains closed. In addition, the area in the immediate vicinity of the rockslide will continue to remain closed.

For up to date information on this closure, and other logistical concerns you should know before you visit, please double-check the park website (www.nos.gov/noca) and/or call the park's Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount (360.854.7245).


Contact Information

Roy Zipp, Environmental Protection Specialist, 360-854-7313
Elly Boerke, Environmental Protection Specialist, 360-854-7328