Heavy Snow and Avalanche Danger Force Closure of 2 Mountain Passes in Mount Rainier National Park, WA

Press Release |
snowplow, beartooth highway
Stock image of a snowplow.

MOUNT RAINIER โ€“ State Routes 410 and 123, including Chinook Pass and Cayuse Pass within Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, will remain closed for the season due to heavy snowfall and avalanche danger.

The Washington State Department of Transportation temporarily closed both passes on October 31 for the safety of maintenance crews and travelers as road conditions deteriorated and the risk of avalanches increased.

Chinook Pass (5,430 feet) and Cayuse Pass (4,675 feet) are closed between Crystal Mountain Boulevard, approximately 12 miles northwest of the summit near the Mount Rainier National Park boundary, and Morse Creek, five miles east.

Over November 2 – 3, Chinook Pass received over two feet of snow at the summit, and more snow is forecasted for the week.

Current weather and highway conditions are posted on the WSDOT mountain passes webpage and through the WSDOT app. Visit the Mount Rainier National Parkโ€™s road status webpage for updates about roads within Mount Rainier National Park.

mount rainier passes now closed for winter
Mount Rainier National Park, WA

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