A challenging combination of harsh weather and hazardous conditions led the Washington State Department of Transportation and the National Park Service to determine that State Route 123 Cayuse Pass will remain closed for the season. Conditions for clearing Chinook Pass along State Route 410 are more favorable, and the roadway is open as of noon, Wednesday, Nov. 20.

“Weather permitting, we try to keep Chinook open as long as safely possible,” said Dan Floyd, WSDOT assistant regional administrator for maintenance.

Driver heading to higher elevations should be prepared for winter conditions across the mountain passes.