February 3, 2008
3:30 p.m.
WSDOT uses brand new method to bring down avalanches near I-90 Snoqualmie Pass
Eastbound traffic opens at 3:21 p.m.
Westbound traffic opens at 3:35 p.m.
SNOQUALMIE PASS – For the very first time WSDOT teamed up with Worldwind, a helicopter company, to bring down avalanches by aerial blasting.
Crews closed the road in both directions between Cle Elum and North Bend around 10:30 this morning. They prepared the helicopter for take off and it was finally airborne with our Avalanche Control Supervisor, Craig Wilbour, on board.
Their first pass over the west side of Snoqualmie summit near Bandera was successful. Then they looked at Granite, the site of last week’s large slide. They got a visual confirmation that the natural and controlled work over the past several days did the trick. They looked at adjacent avalanche paths and make similar observations. Deteriorating weather – a low cloud cover – forced crews to bring the helicopter down.
Our crews report using 190 pounds of explosives: six 30-pound and one 10-pound shots.
“Our goal was to take the avalanche risk from moderate to low,” said WSDOT Maintenance Engineer Todd Trepanier. “We did that.”
Unprecedented conditions call for unprecedented response
“Due to the unusual snow conditions this winter, we were seeing a potential for avalanche danger in areas that we have not touched in over 30 years. The only way to access these areas was by helicopter,” said John Stimberis, WSDOT Avalanche Forecaster.
WSDOT was able to find a helicopter and put Wilbour in the air to perform avalanche control and evaluated previous avalanche control results. “It’s common to use choppers in places like Colorado where they have clear weather. We aren’t so lucky here.”
The forecast for this evening is light snow showers. However, we don’t want drivers to be lulled into a sense of calm. This winter is far from over. In fact, this week’s forecast calls for heavy snow fall. We want to remind all drivers to keep that WSDOT mountain pass page book marked so you can check it before you come to the pass. www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/
“With our above average snow pack, avalanche control will be necessary in more locations than usual during periods of heavy snow,” said John Stimberis, avalanche control expert. “Travelers should be prepared for longer delays than normal.” Interchanges and Snow Parks from North Bend to Easton are closed to parking due to snow removal efforts.
Our biggest challenge now is figuring out where to put the snow when more flakes do come down. With six and a half feet in six days, it’s impossible to just push the snow off the road now. Our crews have to blow snow up and over snow walls already in place.
All four ski resorts are open.
What can drivers do?
*Know before you go and check the Web pages before you head out to snowy areas. Bookmark www.wsdot.wa.gov
*Visit the 511 traveler information system to get up to date information about road closures.
*Be prepared and keep a winter car kit in your vehicle. You can find winter driving information and items for the kit at www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter/
*Remember, ice and snow, take it slow.