Harlan Sheppard with the North Central Region avalanche crew digs into the snow pack to assess conditions above SR 20 in the North Cascades. The type of snow and the amount of debris in the snow slides plays a major factor in the clearing work.
Tags: #SR20NCH #mountainpass #snow #avalanche #cascades #northcross LL
Looking down though the window of the sno cat to see the Washington Pass summit sign on SR 20 North Cascades Highway, with posts buried in the snow. The summit of Washington Pass is 5477 ft.
Tags: #SR20NCH #mountainpass #snow #avalanche #cascades #northcross LL
On March 22, a team consisting of avalanche and maintenance crews gathered above the closure points on SR 20 in the North Cascades for the spring reopening assessment. Though the day was overcast, the team still enjoyed a beautiful view of Washington Pass peaks.
Tags: #SR20NCH #mountainpass #snow #avalanche #cascades #northcross LL
Sno cats and snow machines are the best way for the crews to get up past closure points on SR 20 North Cascades for the assessment. Sno cats are also used in the initial clearing of avalanche paths.
Tags: #SR20NCH #mountainpass #snow #avalanche #northcross LL
A sno cat explores up Washington Pass during assessment day. The SR 20 road surface lies under feet of snow.
Tags: #SR20NCH #mountainpass #snow #avalanche #cascades #northcross LL