Major Flooding Impacting BNSF Operations in the Pacific Northwest

Date
Dec 11, 2025

Western Washington and Oregon have seen historic rainfall over the past few days, with many areas reporting 10 to 17+ inches of rain – more than some locations receive in an entire month. These rainfall amounts have pushed rivers across the region into moderate to major flood stage, with some nearing record crest levels and prompting evacuations. As a result, multiple BNSF subdivisions are out of service due to mudslides, washouts, high water, and flood-related damage to infrastructure. Currently, the Scenic Subdivision and Stampede Subdivision are closed, and the Bellingham Subdivision is out of service for flood mitigation efforts in coordination with officials from the city of Mt. Vernon in Skagit County, Washington. We are closely monitoring the Seattle Subdivision as water levels continue to rise along portions of this route. 

BNSF crews are deployed throughout the impacted areas, closely monitoring river forecasts, addressing washouts, and working to restore service as soon as it is safe to do so. We anticipate that both the Scenic and Bellingham Subdivisions will reopen tomorrow. Water levels continue to rise along portions of the Stampede Subdivision. BNSF teams are positioning materials to ensure we're ready to make repairs once conditions permit. BNSF operating teams are re-routing some traffic to minimize disruption as much as possible. Customers tracing their freight may notice nonstandard routings, locations and interchanges.


Washout on Scenic Subdivision at milepost 1738


Washout on Stampede Subdivision at milepost 66

Current forecasts indicate that steady heavy rainfall is expected today, particularly in the western lowlands and Cascades, before the system begins to weaken later in the day. This weakening should lead to a reduction in rainfall by Friday, and generally drier conditions are expected over the weekend as the primary storm moves out of the area. However, additional moisture and rain chances are still possible early next week.

For shipment inquiries, please use the "Message Us" feature on the BNSF Customer Portal (registration and login required) or contact BNSF Customer Support at 1-888-428-2673. Additionally, please reach out to your BNSF marketing representative with any questions.

As always, we appreciate your business and will continue to work as quickly and safely as possible to repair track and restore normal operations. We will continue to provide customers with further updates.