Date:  Thursday, May 21, 2009

Contact: Meagan McFadden, WSDOT Communications, 509. 654-0697

YAKIMA - WSDOT maintenance and avalanche crews will open State Route 410 over Chinook Pass on Friday, May 22, at noon. 

“The final two avalanches will be cleared and the threat of any more snow sliding down to the roadway will be minimal by Friday at noon,” said  John Stimberis WSDOT Avalanche Forecaster.

Chinook Pass is one of the state's highest mountain passes (elevation 5,430 ft). Drivers should be aware that the potential for winter driving conditions still exists and to watch for rocks in the roadway. WSDOT crews will clear debris as needed.

Instead of a steady melt-down of the snow pack, the snow kept piling up (over six feet of new snow in May). It finally stopped snowing on May 20.

Chinook Pass has been closed since Dec. 15, 2008, from the intersection of SR 123 and SR 410 (three miles west of the summit), to Morse Creek (5.5 miles east of the summit). A five-mile stretch just east of the summit is located along the steep slope of an avalanche area, which makes it too dangerous to keep open during the snowy winter months.

Chinook Pass is designated as a National Scenic Byway, an All American Road, and an entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. Commercial vehicles are prohibited at all times. Mount Rainier National Park information can be found online at www.nps.gov/archive/mora/home.htm

The earliest Chinook Pass opened was April 5, 1973. The latest opening was July 12, 1974. 

For historic pass closure dates visit:
wsdot.wa.gov/winter/passdates

View 2009 Chinook Pass opening photos on Flickr.

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