I-90 Closed for Epic Snowfall!

"A ski patroler said that the WSP was saying the road down would only be open beteen 6:30 to 7:30 and things would be completely closed down after this not opening again till morning. " From A friend who left at 630pm

OK I am going to chime in of some of the bashing of the WSDOT crews. (DISCLAIMER: I am very close to some of the members on these crews). Now I know as TAY posters that most of you have at least basic avalanche and snowpack knowledge. Comparing CO to WA is like apples and oranges, maritime vs. continental snowpacks, not comparable. The crews responsible for keeping the pass open and safe take their jobs very seriously and the last thing they want is to put people in harms way. They use their experience, knowledge of what has happened over the season and in past seasons, and current observations to make the best decision that they can. These decisions are not made once a day, it is a continual process. We are dealing with mother nature here and she does not always tell us all her dirty little secrets.

As for the policy/government end of things. Events like we are having this year could happen alot in a season or maybe not at all. To have the crews to cover a storm like this would cost a bundle and still may not prevent the pass from closing. In a low snowfall winter people would be protesting the cost of such a large program so some would get laid off and that makes it hard to keep qualified people. Personally I would like a group of committed, well trained people that as tax payers we can afford no matter what the season brings vs. a constantly changing staff that may not have experience that is needed to keep us safe.

Here is my advise for those put out by the pass being closed, this is a great opportunity to ski a new area. Give it a try!

Thanks to all those who understand that this not a black and white situation and support the hard work that is going on in the name of all of our safety.

I will probably be getting some feedback now so bring it on if you feel the need.

" It's really a awesome winter event. "
Looks like it's just getting started, check the forcast.

" It's really a awesome winter event. "
Looks like it's just getting started, check the forcast.

Understatement. WOW! Snow, snow, snow, snow . . .

As for DOT/I-90 Avy patrol: Thank you Aaron, Tippy and all the rest of you guys and gals out there for your tireless efforts.

Understatement.  WOW!  Snow, snow, snow, snow . . .

As for DOT/I-90 Avy patrol: Thank you Aaron, Tippy and all the rest of you guys and gals out there for your tireless efforts.

Second that for us as well.

Modified to say that Geo Rules posted some very good points.
It's easy to look at telemetry, weather, avalanche, snow reports, and second guess and be critical of those who are actually working in the zone, experiencing it first hand with all the variables that need to be managed at any given moment. Our snow pack is not up to it's normal tricks this year witness the last two days where we have had several naturals that crossed over and closed roads.

To put it in a different perspective, if you are posting on TAY, (assumption) you are coming up to, or over the pass to play. Consider yourself fortunate that you are not one of the many who are loosing income due to closure.

Does the DOT post info about the slides anywhere? It would be interesting to know if it was just the newer storm cycle snow that is coming down or if the weight of it is failing at some of the deeper older layers.