I doubt that the actual snow depths at Washington Pass and Rainy Pass are far off average. There are certainly more miles with snow coverage than normal because of the relatively cool winter - but shallow snow is quick to plow. The avalanches could easily be a different story, however. And the spring continues to be wet. But although a major avalanche cycle, this one was not unprecedented. Sounds more like budget to me.
Snow depth at Rainy Pass 94". Washington Pass telemetry out. http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mesowest/getobext.php?wfo=sew&sid=RAIW1&num=168&raw=0&dbn=m
WA Pass telemetry is working on NWAC site this morning. 110", within normal range for this time of year
Another factor: SR 20 plowing doesn't start until crews are finished plowing US2, I-90 and US12 for the season.
The Ruby slide and some other large slides in the N Cascades seems to have scared a lot of people away, correctly I might add. No reason to think about clearing the road until the slide paths are safe.
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