December Flood Accelerates Seasonal Road Closure of Index-Galena Rd

EVERETT—Due to damage from recent flooding, Snohomish County Public Works has closed a portion of Index-Galena Rd for the winter season.

*Section of Inex-Galena Rd that is closed. Source: Snohomish County Public Works.*

The road is closed between the access gates near milepost 10 to the west and milepost 14 to the east. This section historically closes for the winter months due to the amount of snow and ice that can accumulate on the remote road, however this year the closure is happening before winter weather conditions call for it due to flood damage.

Floods earlier in December damaged several sections of Index-Galena Rd, including severe damage just past North Fork Skykomish River Bridge 499, which is within the section that historically closes for the winter. The timeline for making repairs is unknown, so Public Works leadership decided to pre-emptively close the road for the winter, even though snow volumes have been low so far this season.

“Index-Galena Road follows the North Fork of the Skykomish River and has been severely damaged again during a flood event,” Public Works Deputy Director Doug McCormick said. “Because of this recent flood damage and the volume of snow and ice that can accumulate during winter months, it’s both prudent and practical to close the road now and maintain safety.”

The new damage is about four miles beyond the section of road that was reopened in 2023 after being repaired and relocated away from the river. Beckler River Rd, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, was also severely damaged during recent flooding.

In addition to Index-Galena Rd, the Mountain Loop Highway is closed for the winter season about 18 miles east of Verlot, between Deer Creek Gate to the west to Bedal Gate to the east. This annual closure is led by the U.S. Forest Service, in conjunction with Snohomish County Public Works.