Big Four Ice Caves Snowshoe, Monte Cristo #143, Perry Creek, Mount Dickerman, Sunrise Mine

Heavy snowfall over the last several days has left those areas beyond the Deer Creek Winter Gates at mile post 23.3 on the Mountain Loop Highway,covered in deep snow.This finally allowed the US Forest Service and the Snohomish County Road Department to close the Deer Creek Gates for the winter.

The highway was plowed on Sunday night the 15th and the gates pulled closed and after the last vehicle that had been parked at the Monte Cristo Trailhead for winter camping activity,had driven out.The gates were locked on Monday morning the 16th.

Since Monday morning several feet of snow (3 feet or more) has fallen,making for good
snowshoe and cross-country skiing. Beware that the area is also open to snomobiles which are required to keep their speeds down in areas used for multiple recreation.

DO NOT park between the "NO PARKING BEYOIND THIS POINT"-"SNOW PLOW TURNAROUND" signs
and the yellow gates unless you are prepared to receive a $124.00 traffic citation for failing to obey the signs.Park so the snow plow can get past your vehicle as well.

BEWARE OF FALLING,OVERHEAD HAZARDS created by the heavy snow-load on the trees. There
is a threat of being stranded for an extended period of time if trees fall and block the highway,so come prepared for that possibility,have food,water,and extra clothing just in case. Have a full gas tank.

EXTREME AVALANCHE DANGERS...DO NOT CROSS THE ALUMINUM BRIDGE AT THE ICE CAVES.

Enjoy your stay and be safe,

Deputy Rasar