SR 410 Opening Chinook Pass 2008

Washington's scenic State Route 410 through Chinook Pass, near Mount Rainier, opened for traffic on June 5.

As if snow drifts up to 50 feet deep wasn't enough, warm temperatures brought down snow slides, rocks and other debris that delayed the opening until June 5.

WSDOT closes this road for the winter due to high avalanche risk and hazardous driving conditions. There are numerous slide areas that pose significant danger to travelers, WSDOT maintenance crews and Mount Rainier National Park staff. The state's third highest mountain pass, Chinook usually opens by Memorial Day (but not this year).

You can follow the progress at this site: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Traffic/Passes/Chinook/ default.htm

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items are from between 07 Apr 2008 & 13 May 2008.