A storm forecast for the North Cascades is prompting an indefinite closure this weekend of Highway 20 east of Newhalem on Thursday — a step that could become the annual seasonal shutdown of the northernmost pass between Eastern and Western Washington.

It’s the closest road over the Cascades Mountains for residents of Bellingham and Whatcom County.

Washington State Department of Transportation spokesperson Lauren Loebsack told The Bellingham Herald that snow is accumulating in the avalanche chutes of the Liberty Bell range near Washington Pass.

Avalanches in that area are hazardous to drivers on Highway 20, also called SR 20 or the North Cascades Highway, making it difficult to keep the road clear of snow between Newhalem and Winthrop.

“The team has noted that the Liberty Bell avalanche

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