The state Department of Transportation closed Chinook and Cayuse passes today for the season after reviewing a snowy forecast and assessing the avalanche risk.

Due to heavy snow accumulation on the roadway, WSDOT crews temporarily closed Chinook Pass just after 7:30 a.m. Saturday. WSDOT avalanche forecasters assessed the stability of the hillside Sunday morning and determined the avalanche risk is too great to allow traffic to safely cross Chinook Pass. Since Friday Chinook Pass has received more than three feet of snow and more snow is forecasted to fall on the slopes above the pass.

Chinook Pass is closed from the gates of Morse Creek, five miles east of the summit, and at Crystal Mountain Boulevard, eight miles northwest of the summit. Access to the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort from state Route 410 remains open.

Additionally, WSDOT and Mount Rainier National Park staff agreed to close state Route 123 (Cayuse Pass) for the season. SR 123 is closed within Mount Rainier National Park from the 4,675-foot Cayuse Pass summit at the junction of SR 410 and SR 123 to Steven’s Canyon Road.

For information on these and other mountain passes visit: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/.