Chinook Pass Opens Tomorrow

The WSDOT recently posted an update on Chinook Pass opening progress. Crews have been hard at work clearing the road and are planning to open at 10 a.m. tomorrow May 17th, “weather and conditions permitting.” If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to open this highway every year, check out the WSDOT blog for a little education on the process. First the avalanche crew use explosives to create slides, hopefully knocking as much snow as possible off the slopes above the road. Then the road crew must begin clearing the highway with up to forty feet of snow piled on top of it. As described on the WSDOT site, it’s much like peeling back an onion one layer at a time. Check out the video for more details and what it takes to get the highway open. I, for one, am looking forward to a little touring before all the snow melts.