Landslide Blocks Westbound Lanes Of SR 18 In Auburn

KING COUNTY, WA — All westbound lanes of State Route 18 remained closed near Auburn Wednesday as state transportation crews worked to clear a landslide and stabilize a slope.

The Valley Regional Fire Authority confirmed the slide on social media shortly after midnight, blocking all westbound traffic between Highway 167 and Weyerhaeuser Way. In an update shared during the morning commute, the Washington State Department of Transportation said commuters should plan for an extended closure, allowing geotechnical engineers to complete a full assessment of the hillside and soil.

Wednesday's slide follows widespread, heavy rain on Monday, which brought the Seattle area one of its wettest February days on record. Although the worst of the rain is behind us, forecasters warned elevated landslide risks would continue while soil across the region remains highly saturated.

Washington State Patrol shared a photo of the slide site in the daylight, showing trees and other debris overflowing the concrete barriers. Trooper Rick Johnson said there was no estimate for fully reopening.

WSDOT announced the successful reopening of the left westbound lane just before 11 a.m. but cautioned that nearby on and off-ramps remained closed.