From WA DOT!
The pass will open at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 10.
March 08, 2005
March 10th marks the earliest-ever spring reopening of the North Cascades Highway. “While it never closed during the ’76-’77 drought,” said WSDOT Twisp Maintenance Supervisor Don Becker, “The crew is very pleased to beat the old record by nearly two weeks.”
The previous earliest opening was March 22nd, 2001. Ten days from start to finish is a new record for clearing the highway. “Travelers will find bare and dry or bare and wet pavement over the entire route,” said Becker. Crews have been working continuously since Monday, February 28th to remove layers of ice that covered most of the 34-mile closure zone. “Usually, it’s a giant snow removal effort below avalanche zones,” said Becker, “This year, that was the easy part due to the small amount of snow. The challenge turned out to be breaking through miles of ice that was 2 to 14 deep and firmly bonded to the pavement.” “A combination of equipment fitted with special ice-cutting bits, use of crystalline deicer applications and warm temperatures are all aiding the effort,” said Becker, “This is the first time we’ve been able to set a reopening time this far in advance, but with no avalanche threat, it’s predictable.”
w00t w00t