Chinook Pass set to reopen

OLYMPIA – Washington state Transportation Department officials said they expect to reopen Chinook Pass at noon today, in time for the Memorial Day weekend.

While the winter’s snow has been cleared, officials said drivers may experience minor delays. Heavy snow and avalanches damaged a section of barrier just east of the summit. Traffic has been shifted away from the damaged barrier for safety and drivers will be restricted to one lane through a 150-foot section of Highway 410. The barrier will be repaired when funding is available.

Chinook Pass on the east side of Mount Rainier National Park and nearby Cayuse Pass are typically closed for the winter due to deep snow and avalanche danger.

Cayuse Pass reopened May 3.