sobo Posted May 5, 2004 Posted May 5, 2004 Just got this off the WSDOT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 5, 2004 > > Contacts: Mike Westbay, Communications Manager (509) 577-1617 > > > Chinook Pass Highway opens at noon on May 6 > > YAKIMA - At noon on Thursday, May 6, 2004, Chinook Pass will open for > the season. This will be the earliest Chinook Pass opening since 1981. A > combination of more efficient methods of snow removal, unseasonably warmer > temperatures, and below normal snow pack were just what the crews needed > to complete the plowing, snow blowing and avalanche control work required > to make Chinook Pass safe for travel. > > At 12:00 pm, Thursday, May 6, the gates will be opened to passenger > vehicle and bicycle traffic. Chinook Pass is designated as a National > Scenic Byway, an All American Road, and an entrance to Mt. Rainier > National Park. Commercial vehicles are prohibited. > > Chinook Pass has been closed since December 17, 2003 from the west at > the intersection of SR 123 and SR 410, near the Mount Rainier National > Park boundary, to Morse Creek, about six miles east of the summit. A > five-mile stretch, just east of the summit, is located along the side of > an avalanche area, which makes it too dangerous to keep open during the > snowy winter months. > > Every spring WSDOT maintenance crews from the South Central and > Northwest regions use bull dozers, loaders and large snow blowers to cut > through the tremendous amounts of snow to open the highway for travel > across the Cascade Mountains. > > Businesses and travelers alike have expressed their interests in > getting Chinook Pass open earlier. This has led to more aggressive actions > at WSDOT. Global Positioning Station (GPS) technology has taken out the > guess work and made it faster to find the exact spot to start the snow > removal process. Renting wide track dozers helps speed up the process > because they move more effectively across the snow pack and have a greater > capacity to move snow. The newer seven hundred horse powered snow blowers > make quick work of large amounts of snow. These more efficient methods of > snow removal have been implemented to make this the earliest opening in 23 > years, the sixth earliest opening since 1935. The very earliest opening > was April 5, 1973. The latest opening was July 12, 1974. > > The avalanche crews report that conditions are stable and safe to open. > Avalanche crews will be closely monitoring weather and any natural slide > movements and are prepared to perform further avalanche control work if > needed. Road maintenance crews will be making patrols seven days a week, > for the next couple of weeks, to remove rocks and snow from the highway. > > After the pass opens travelers may encounter these traction advisories > posted on Highway 410 and Highway 123: > Traction Advisory - Oversized Vehicles Prohibited > Vehicles over 10,000 GVWR - Chains Required > All Vehicles - Chains Required - Except All Wheel Drive > > > Motorists are advised to watch for falling rocks, snow and work crews > on the roadway. > Delays may occur if the weather changes and further avalanche control work > is required. Travelers should be prepared for winter driving conditions at > this elevation (5,430 ft.). Weather can change rapidly and closing the > highway temporarily to do snow removal is still a possibility. > > > Mike Westbay 509-577-1617 westbam@wsdot.wa.gov Quote
ivan Posted May 5, 2004 Posted May 5, 2004 how are from the road to white river campground now? Quote
Toast Posted May 5, 2004 Posted May 5, 2004 Is it quicker to take Chinook Pass to Royal Columns or the route over Snoqualmie Pass via Yakima? Quote
sobo Posted May 6, 2004 Author Posted May 6, 2004 From the Republic of Fremont, Take I-90 to Ellensburg, then I-82 to Yakima, then Exit 31 towards Naches via US12/SR410. About 5 miles past Naches, take a left at the "Y" onto US12, and go about two miles to RC. Be sure you have your $11 Vehicle Use Permit, the little yellow sticky thingie, 'cause them bastards WILL ticket you if you're without one, and the fine is ~$66 last I heard. The yellow sticky pass is because you'll be on State Fish & Wildlife land. Mind you, this is NOT the same permit as the NW Trail/Forest Pass. I don't buy those fuckin' things. They're just wrong on so many levels. The mileage will be about 30 miles shorter going over the SR410 route, but the time will be shorter using the above-described route. Take SR410 home for apres' climb scenic views and less chance of coppers while swiggin' 'em down. Shit, ya might even want to bring your boards and climb on Saturday, then rip it up right off the road on Sunday on your way home. Just note the avy-prone slopes and have fun. Quote
ivan Posted May 6, 2004 Posted May 6, 2004 looking at the map i found isn't clear...can you access the road to white river campground now or not? Quote
JoshK Posted May 6, 2004 Posted May 6, 2004 You could reach the white river road already, but you still can't get up the white river road to the campground/trailhead. Quote
AaronB Posted May 11, 2004 Posted May 11, 2004 Does this mean the rt from the east side is open? Hwy 123 to stevens canyon road? can I go this way? If so... Quote
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