SR 20 North Cascades Highway seasonal closure scheduled for Nov. 15

[Fun CH]

Update

"SR 20 Both Directions - SR 20/North Cascades Highway is temporaily closed between milepost 134 and 171 due to mudslide. Crews are expected to clear and reopen by nightfall Friday, Oct. 29.
Last Updated: 10/29/2021 10:18 AM
From milepost 134 to milepost 171"

Should also point out that a simular rock slide in that same area occured during the last big heavy rain.

Its also the avy path that buried a friend's (BC skier)snowmobile under 6 feet of snow. He escaped when he saw it heading his way by jumping off the machine and running. Local snowmobilers came up to help dig it out later in the week when it was relatively safe to do so.

A second machine was hit at the same time by the same path but a smaller sub path that branches off that main gully. They were able to dig that one out.

NWAC picked up my report on TAY of that avy near miss incident and published it on their yearly avalanche incident report summary.

[PAL]

This may well be it. Excellent article Chris.

[Fun CH]

Rock slide today, looks like LB1, closes hwy20.

Lets get some facts before speculating on why Hwy20 is scheduled to close this year by Nov 15th.

Facts matter, especially on the internet.

Good layperson article on cognitive bias.

https://www.verywellmind.com/cognitive- ... ng-2794763

[PAL]

Looks like from the first link David gave, that a good number of them were able to get exemptions. And those state jobs are good jobs. And it will take some time to fill them, but I think they will be. The ferries definitely require quite a bit of training as does driving the plow trucks and other equipment. They mainly work alone, but gather in the morning before going out and when day is done. So maybe that is the reasoning for them to be required to be vaccinated. And all state employees... As people have said there might not have had to be a mandate if people had stepped up and gotten vaccinated. It was their choice not to.
Another reason for planned closure is the upcoming week of rains and snow coming in. The pass can close anytime actually. Mid November seems to be the time it closes most often. I'm sure there are stats, but I am too lazy to look them up.
Pearl

[mister_coffee]

Two separate data points:

WSDOT accounts for 21% of state employees fired over vaccine mandate

https://mynorthwest.com/3193738/wsdot-h ... e-mandate/

And the official press release about the closure:

https://wsdot.wa.gov/news/2021/10/27/sr ... led-nov-15

...
New in 2021: A planned closure date
In the past, the seasonal closure date has been assessed on a case-by-case basis. While there is a chance the highway may close earlier than Nov. 15, WSDOT is setting a closure date this year to allow travelers to plan ahead with more certainty.
...

I guess you all need to draw your own conclusions.

[dorankj]

Yes, I believe it is. Why else to implement a first ever pre-determined date with no weather issue? I always considered after thanksgiving bonus time in my decades of weekly driving that pass. I know for sure one of the removed DOT workers was assigned that pass specifically because of his tenure and expertise. Hell no I’m not gleeful! This is sickening and demoralizing. The ones who are gleeful are the ones getting their way with these demands and stating it’s right and just to rip people from their careers who are perfectly healthy because of forever God-given rights to decide what to medical procedures one will take. Why can’t these essential workers keep on as they have been? They are obviously able to navigate this nearly 2 year old pandemic, don’t they mainly work by themselves driving equipment like snowplows?

[PAL]

Ken, is it really because of reduction in staff, due to the mandates? And if people are leaving that job, there are or will be people that will want those jobs. You must know that people quit? Is the DOT rehiring? Is this your conjecture and speculation? You sound gleeful. I do hope you are happy.
Pearl

[dorankj]

“Better to be thought a fool, than open your mouth and remove all doubts” Mark Twain

[dorankj]

First time pre-determined closing? I’m sure it couldn’t possibly be the loss of perfectly healthy staff due to forced mandates! We are run by complete morons.

[Fun CH]

From WSDOT

"MAZAMA – With winter weather just around the corner, the 2021 seasonal closure of State Route 20 North Cascades Highway is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 15. The road may close earlier depending on the amount of snow and ice that arrives in the meantime. The closure points will be milepost 134/Ross Dam Trailhead on the west side and milepost 171/Silver Star Gate on the east.

Mid-November is typically when this mountain pass closes for the season as weather, snow conditions and avalanche danger threaten the safety of drivers and maintenance crews. Prior to the seasonal closure, crews will perform winter maintenance as needed and will regularly assess conditions to determine whether the highway is safe to remain open.

Prepare for winter driving conditions
North Cascades Highway has few services or facilities, so travelers should be prepared for winter driving conditions. Drivers can visit WSDOT’s winter driving web page for tips and information.

New in 2021: A planned closure date
In the past, the seasonal closure date has been assessed on a case-by-case basis. While there is a chance the highway may close earlier than Nov. 15, WSDOT is setting a closure date this year to allow travelers to plan ahead with more certainty.

Winter recreation on SR 20
Hikers, skiers, snowmobilers and other recreationists can access the closed portion of the highway during the winter season. Users should park in designated parking areas to allow plow drivers the space they need to clear snow around the closed stretch’s access gates.

Since WSDOT closes this stretch of the highway due to avalanche risk, anyone using this area should check forecasts and be aware of quickly changing conditions in the mountains. Travelers can also check conditions with North Cascades National Park before traveling to this area.

Spring reopening
Reopening in the spring is usually accomplished by early May.

Updates will be shared on Twitter @WSDOT_East."