Opening Chinook Pass 2011

[94fordguy]

Man there is a lot of snow still up there... Projected opening for Chinook isn't till at least the end of June this year

Pics are up on the DOT site and on Flickr, check em out!

DOT:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/chinook

Direct link for slide-show:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/sets/72157626281797001/show/

 

[diamonddave]

This is kinda cool.

 

[SledheadPaul]

Awesome!

 

[Ryanlilly]

Just a lil bit of snow up there.

 

[94fordguy]

Chinook Pass open Today

Updated June 23, 2011

- Chinook Pass is open.

Maintenance crews opened the gates at about 9:45 a.m., June 23.

- Cayuse Pass reopened on Thursday, May 26. Drivers can access US 12 from SR 410 via SR 123.

For the 2010-2011 season, WSDOT closed Chinook in anticipation of a storm. WSDOT did this so that recreationalists could get out of the area in a timely manner, and for the safety of our maintenance crews.

Although businesses and recreationalists depend on Chinook Pass, WSDOT can only keep the highway open as long as it is free of avalanche risk and other weather-related hazards.

The combination of avalanche danger, mountainous terrain, lack of cell phone service, inclement weather and relatively few vehicles on the roads make driving these passes in the winter a potentially hazardous endeavor. If someone had a problem, such as sliding off the road, it could take hours or days for anyone to find them.

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/chinook

 

[Ryanlilly]

Looks like ill be taking a drive this weekend.

 

[Snodawg]

Heading over Sat morning to see the kids and grandkids. Gonna watch my son-in-law compete in the Buckley Log Show. I'll get some pics. Should be some cool walls of snow to drive thru.

 

[Snodawg]

Here are some pics from Saturday morning. You can tell which pictures were taken on the west side of the pass. And which ones were taken on the east side.

Thinking that I need my sled: (too bad some clicker had to park right in the middle of my picture)

The Pass: (Wish the log was still there)(Notice the height of the sign)

33* at 6:30 in the morning

 

[94fordguy]

Wow, that's incredible

Thanks for posting.... must be like driving in a tunnel eh?

 

[Ryanlilly]

When did the log across the top disappear?

 

[94fordguy]

I want to say it fell down 2 years ago if I remember correctly.... sure would be nice if they put another one back up there

 

[paulharris]

cool pics!

 

[WHEREDAFUGAWEE]

I want to say it fell down 2 years ago if I remember correctly.... sure would be nice if they put another one back up there

Actually the log bridge was disassembled and will be reconditioned and put back up according to a naches ranger i recently talked to.