OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK – Hurricane Ridge Road is one of several roads in Olympic National Park that remained closed on Saturday after the Dec. 2-3 wind and rain storm.
“Park crews are stretched very thin by this most recent storm, but are working throughout the park to restore access as soon it’s safe,” said Olympic National Park Bill Laitner in a written statement.
Hurricane Ridge Road was closed to traffic so that a road crew could install concrete barriers and traffic safety signs, and continue monitoring the stability of the road and slope beneath it, the statement said.
The most heavily damaged site was located just above the Switchback Trailhead, about two miles below Hurricane Ridge.
The road was reduced to one lane in three locations.
The damage initially was caused by a major slide near the Switchback Trail that brought mud and debris onto the road.
The slide also caused water to overflow the road, leading to extensive erosion and slumping along the downhill edge.
On Saturday, other roads remained closed in the park.
In the Quinault Valley, the North Shore Road was open from the U.S. Highway 101 intersection to just past the Clark Spur Road.
Beyond that point, the road was closed to all traffic due to downed trees and other damage.
While the Staircase area is closed for the winter season, park crews have made an initial damage assessment.
The Staircase access road outside the park boundary is covered with gravel and debris as a result of last week’s storm and flooding.
Within the park, both the Staircase Road and Staircase Campground had damage from flooding along the North Fork Skokomish River.
Elwha, Lake Crescent, Mora and Ozette areas were open.
