Snow continued to block portions of the North Cascades Scenic Highway near Washington Pass last week, but clearing crews made progress from both sides of the pass.
Wrapping up its fourth week of clearing the North Cascades Scenic Highway for traffic, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reported on April 22 that its eastside crew (working from the Methow Valley side) cut a single path to the summit of Washington Pass.
“Snow depths of nearly 8 feet on the highway at the top of the pass means the Sno-Cat and loader need to knock down and move snow to about 6 feet for the blower to clear a path on the roadway,” WSDOT reported.
On the west side, crews reached milepost 153, leaving about 10 miles between the two crews, WSDOT said.
“The entire road width and shoulders must be cleared and any pavement and guardrail damage must be repaired. We know many of you are eagerly waiting for your first trip over the North Cross this year, but we’re still too far out to say when we will reopen for sure,” WSDOT said.
The road remains closed at the Ross Dam Trailhead at milepost 134 on the west side and at the Silver Star gate at milepost 171 on the east (Methow Valley) side. Snow-clearing work began on March 28 this year. Last year, clearing began on April 5 and the route opened on May 5.
