Work has begun on opening the pass - they hope to have it open by May:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/sets ... 681048559/

Yeah! First meaningful sign of Spring!

Nice! I spent a month at Diablo Lake at North Cascades Institute for my W-EMT class in Jan-Feb. When the weather was clear we were right around the bases of Pyramid, Colonial and Sourdough.

http://s48.photobucket.com/albums/f214/philoparts/North%20Cascades-Ross%20Dam/

Link to updates and map showing plowing progress:

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Traffic/Passes/ ... es2012.htm

From the site, I see that it opens on average in mid- to late-April. Last year was exceptional with an opening of May 25. I'm guessing it will be early May this year. Another good snow year, but not all the late snow we had last year.

How's our snowplow buddies doing? they're saying next week passes may open....nice to think about...

Day 24, May 3, 2012 (Thur. Week 6)

The crews worked under less than ideal conditions with cold temperatures and snow all week, but they made good progress and we’re making our first reopening prediction for next Thursday, May 10.
That is predicated on cooperative weather and no more equipment breakdowns.

Link to updates and map showing plowing progress:

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Traffic/Passes/ ... es2012.htm

Thanks for the update. May 10. Later than normal, I guess, but not as late as last year.

Early, late -- who cares? The road will be clear! Woo hoo!!

(Unless, of course, more snow comes down on it, and they close it again for a day or two. Cuz it's done that the last few years, too. Harumph.)

I'll have questions about avy danger on specific approaches as my plans solidify (a bunch of WA/Rainy area peaks are on my wish/plan/goal list this year), but right now I'm just psyched for the road to be open. w00t!!

At the risk of forking the topic, when there's still that much snow up there, have folks had any 'schrund issues at the bases of SEWS and Liberty Bell, coming up from Blue Lake? Thinking of LB Beckey Route and SEWS SW Buttress, depending on conditions.

Ta-da!!!
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Traffic/Passes/ ... es2012.htm
Did any one get a cinamon roll?