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Chinook Pass Snow Removal - Opening Efforts - Week 6 - May 19, 2006

Projected pass opening date - noon May 25th

Crews have passed through the National Park Archway at the summit and are now about 1/2 mile down the west side. Much of the roadway from the Summit to Lake Tipsoe is all spading and blower work. The going is slower through this stretch as the entire snow depth of 14 to 16 feet has to all be cleared with the blower instead of only the last 6 feet. However, both east and west side crews continue to work diligently towards each other closing the gap.

Warmer temperatures have aided the avalanche crew in their efforts this week. Three or four larger slides which covered both lanes of the roadway and a number of smaller slides as well.

Contractor crews 2 miles east of the summit have been busy this week finishing up the wash out repair. Base course work and paving were completed this week with striping to follow. The guardrail contractor had an equipment breakdown and is expected to resume work next Monday.

Clearing snow through the Mt. Rainier National Park Archway

Crew heading down the west side of Chinook Summit - 92, 104, Blower 1, Tipsoe Clearing 1

Avalanche control work

West side crew working their way toward the summit. Left switch back area they refer to as hair pin and right side or picture as windy point.

View Week 5 Snow Removal - May 16th

Our thanks to Casey McGill of WS DOT for sharing these great photos so we can see the Chinook Pass conditions as WS Dot endeavors to open Chinook Pass for the season.