State DOT to Start Work on Clearing Chinook Pass

The Washington state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is preparing to reopen Chinook Pass on State Route 410 by Memorial Day weekend and crews have already began removing the 14 feet of snow and debris that has accumulated on State Route 123 to Cayuse Pass, a news release said today.

Snow removal efforts are scheduled to begin on Monday, April 4 at Chinook Pass to clear the 18 feet of snow there. 

Chinook Pass closed for the season last November 16. At that time, the eastside closer point along State Route 410 was moved to Hells Crossing, nine miles east of the usual closure point at Morse Creek because snow removal equipment was needed for Snoqualmie Pass. Crews opened State Route 410 to Morse Creek on Thursday, March 31. On the westside, the closure point is milepost 57 at the turnoff to Crystal Mountain Boulevard.

Westside crews from Greenwater will clear Cayuse Pass first, which is expected to open mid-April, and then begin working their way east on State Route 410 toward Chinook Pass to eventually meet up with the eastside crew from Rimrock.

State Route 410 through Chinook Pass has been designated by the U.S. government as the Chinook Scenic Byway.

The WSDOT notes that spring weather can still affect these clearing efforts and so official opening dates can change.

Both passes are routinely closed in the winter due to high avalanche risk and hazardous conditions. 

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