Date:
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Contact:
Mike Westbay, WSDOT Communications (Yakima), 509-577-1617
Kris Olsen, WSDOT Communications (Seattle), 206-440-4475
WSDOT begins clearing snow, avalanche debris on Cayuse and Chinook Passes
Cayuse Pass reopening efforts underway; Chinook Pass work begins next month
MOUNT RAINIER – WSDOT maintenance crews began the hard work this morning of clearing snow and avalanche debris from Cayuse Pass on SR 123. Efforts to clear Chinook Pass on SR 410 will begin in mid-April.
Crews are using plows and snow blowers to clear away tons of snow and debris that has accumulated on the passes since they were closed for the season on November 8, 2009. The west side maintenance crew from Greenwater will clear Cayuse Pass and then begin working its way up Chinook Pass to eventually meet up with the east side crew out of Rimrock.
If weather allows, WSDOT plans to have Cayuse Pass open for traffic on Thursday, April 15 and Chinook Pass open by Friday, May 28.
Weather changes quickly at these high elevation passes and heavy spring snow storms can stop the clearing work.
WSDOT closes each pass for winter due to high avalanche risk and hazardous conditions. Both passes have numerous slide areas that pose significant danger to WSDOT maintenance crews and park staff.
For information on SR 123 Cayuse Pass visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/cayuse
For information on SR 410 Chinook Pass visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/chinook/
Know before you go
WSDOT has a number of tools to help drivers plan their trips.
• For up-to date conditions on all Washington mountain passes, visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/
• Check travel alerts: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts/
• Call 5-1-1
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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing 5-1-1.
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