Snohomish County Assessing Landslide

Snohomish County's Department of Emergency Management (DEM) is coordinating efforts to safely clear a landslide from Mt. Index River Road, near Index.

 The early morning landslide has prevented access to Highway 2 for about 100 residents. No injuries or damage to homes has been reported.

 About 9 a.m., a landslide occurred, undermining Mt. Index River Road, also known as Forest Service Road 62, which connects to Highway 2. The road is still walkable but continues to slide into the south fork of the Skykomish River. The slide is considered "still in progress" and is a mix of snow, mud and trees.

 The U.S. Forest Service, which maintains the road, has asked Snohomish County to assess damages and determine what might be done to stop the slide. Snohomish County Sheriff deputies and local fire officials have begun door-to-door notification. DEM will coordinate evacuations for any medically sensitive residents.

 Snohomish County Public Works has closed the road and is beginning inspections of the slide.

 The American Red Cross shelter at The Rock Church, 16891 146th St. SE, Monroe, will remain open tonight and the Sultan School District has agreed to transport residents to the shelter by bus.