Date:  Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Contact: Broch Bender, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4702 (Seattle)
Meagan McFadden, WSDOT Communications, 509-577-1618 (Yakima)
Eric Walkinshaw, National Park Service, 360-569-2166.

PIERCE COUNTY – Cayuse Pass was scheduled to open today, Tuesday May 12. However, new snow accumulation on SR 123 delayed the pass opening until further notice.

Almost six inches of new snow fell on Cayuse Pass this morning. Forecasts for more new snow and expected cooler temperatures this week could mean greater risk of avalanche danger on the pass. Crews will postpone the opening until they are confident the road is safe from avalanche danger. Our goal is to open the pass as soon as possible, in time for Memorial Day Weekend.

Cayuse Pass remains closed within Mount Rainier National Park from the 4,675-foot Cayuse Pass summit at the junction of SR 410 and SR 123 to US 12. For updates, please visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/cayuse.

SR 410 Chinook Pass will remain closed at the junction with SR 123 (milepost 65.75) to milepost 74.5 near Morse Creek. Crews started pushing snow off the roadway in early April, however a few early May snowstorms combined with colder than normal temperatures put the brakes on a steady melt-down of snow pack and delayed clearing efforts. For more information on SR 410 Chinook Pass visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/chinook.

WSDOT offers several ways to get construction information from our Web site at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ before you leave your home or office.
WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing 5-1-1.

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