Saturday, October 16 - Propane Delivery
The propane truck will be here on Monday morning. Carol at Northern Energy, who has usually handled our arrangements, has been on leave from the office for a while. Some of you may have talked to Pam. In case you have not, the driver will come prepared with delivery tickets for everyone and we will check all tanks. If you have wishes one way or the other, such as service regardless (even if almost full), or don't service even if low (particularly the latter), please let me know and I will advise the driver. Please follow up with the office after Monday to see how your delivery turned out and make payment arrangements if necessary. I know... you're shocked to see me here again. I am sorry for the long absence. I hope everyone hasn't tuned out completely. I like hearing from everyone, so please keep in touch. I will have more news (including my excuses) before too much longer. It was 33 here this morning. I hope everyone is thinking about being prepared for the long, severe winter which is being forecast. I have heard it enough that I am starting to believe it, and am making some extra preparations myself. Actually, I looked into the reasons for these predictions and it is based on some real science, not just wild guesswork, so we'll see. My biggest worry is that a huge snow will not melt down on the pass until much later in Spring than has been the case in the past. We had plowing on the two biggest years for snow, and although they did not plow last year, there was little snow. There will be no plowing this year. Supplies may run low in the Spring for those of us who will be here in Winter (by hiking in). Northern Energy: 800-683-0115.

Thursday, June 3 - Prospectors
The Bedrock Prospectors Club will have a group camping in the Howard Creek area this weekend. They have a work party scheduled on one of their claims which is nearby. They will have road permits and keys.

Tuesday, May 18 - Propane Delivery
Northern Energy will be selecting a day between now and the end of this month for our Spring propane deliveries. As usual, they would like to hear from each of you with your orders. Please call Carol even if you know you don't need any so that we will know that everyone has been considered. Northern Energy: 800-683-0115.

Saturday, May 1 - Road Improvements
County road maintenance resumed this week. There has been grading and new gravel and clearing of the rockslides. Most of the major pothole areas are gone. It has been a week of crappy weather. Hopefully Spring will be return soon. Thank you, Snohomish County for the road improvements!

Monday, April 19 - Road Conditions
Due to continued melting, the pass was negotiable by pretty much anything 4WD or tall enough on the weekend. Since it was really warm yesterday and is likely to be warmer today, the road is probably passable for 2WD vehicles by now. Downhill would have been OK on the weekend, but climbing the steeper grade on the North Fork side through the deep slush might have still been a problem. It was 66 here in the valley yesterday. This morning has started off about four degrees warmer than yesterday. The potholes are absolutely terrible all along the gravel road and will beat your vehicles to pieces if you don't take it really slow. There are significant new rockslides in the usual places just above the gate. One of them nearly made it all the way across the road with immovable, giant rocks but you can still get around it on the river side shoulder.

This was received by one of the Skyko 4 officers who recently inquired about the county's road maintenance intentions...

Snohomish County Road Maintenance plans to perform spring maintenance on the Jack’s Pass route in the next several weeks, weather permitting. Late season snow has delayed our plans by a few weeks. We will grade the road and make repairs as needed to bring the road up to an acceptable service level. As you know, WSDOT was unable to assist with snow removal on the route during the 2009-2010 winter. As a result there has been no maintenance during the winter season and the road condition reflects this.

Thursday, April 15 - More Snow
Last weekend, the snow on the pass was still a little too deep for a small 4WD SUV. Yesterday, a lower 2WD car had to back out about a mile from the top due to its low clearance. He thought it looked like trucks and SUVs would be able to make it now. Conditions just beyond the pass on the steeper inside slope have not yet been reported. Since there is usually less traffic there, it still sounds like 4WD and chains to me, just in case.

Friday, March 12 - New Snow
New accumulations of snow on top of the pass have been an issue for some 2WD vehicles. At least one was not able to get through. I do not yet know how it is with 4WD or with chains.

Sunday, February 14
We are having a mild and wet (so far) Valentine's Day in the valley. The pass is still easily driveable with no special vehicle requirements.

Monday, January 25
There is new snow, but not very much - just a couple of inches more on the pass. The upper two miles of the road on the Beckler side and most of the first mile on the North Fork side are covered again. I made it over in 4WD without chains, but would not want to be up there without them, unless maybe with good snow tires. Nothing is very deep - just slippery. Going downhill on the inside where it is steep will be risky without traction help when the new snow gets wet or packed down and icy like it was before. The rocks have been cleaned up quite a bit thanks to some great, community help, but there are still plenty of them and more coming all the time. It was foggy through that area this evening too, as is often the case. Otherwise it is real nice in the valley - high 30's until after sunset and probably just below freezing tonight with a clear sky and some nice moonlight. It looks like about three nice days with bright nights are ahead.

Tuesday, January 12 - Still driving in
After all that rain, we have found that the Jacks Pass summit has not been affected by new snow. The snow which was previously high enough to cause some dragging in the center of low vehicles is now packed down pretty low (due to rain and melting). The vehicle tracks have been melting over the entire route. The gravel is visible in most places, even on top. However, it is VERY slippery on some fairly long stretches where it is clear ice, or worse (wet ice). 4WD without chains has been enough from last weekend until now, but with the speed very low for "controlled sliding" downhill in a few places. I would not be here without the chains to make the climb, in case they become necessary. More hazards... After a long stretch of dry, bare gravel between the upper and lower switchbacks on the inside, there is a surprise stretch of old snow and clear ice from the melting where it levels out at the bottom, just before the pavement. There at least, there has still been regular freezing to keep the road treacherous. This is no big deal if you get there with reasonable speed.

The rocks in the road above the gate are the worst I have ever seen them. Those of us who have been past have had to move some to get through in every case. During the wind and rain, more rocks keep showing up. Some of them are too large to move by hand. As was pointed out by one regular, the smaller ones will be a significant tire hazard once they become buried in snow. We need to keep a path through there clean enough to be safe after it snows. I moved a few coming in and will catch a few more going out. Please do the same if you can. Watch out for new falling rocks while you are there. I don't think I would pause for this during the wind and rain. I wish they would screen that hillside. Some of it has been screened in the past - I'm told as an experiment. That part seems to have been successful.

Hiking conditions on the low route have been reported to be good. It looks like we will have that option for a while yet after the snow (or the rocks) finally finish us on the upper route.

Friday, January 8, 2010 - Freezing Rain
Happy New Year, everyone! I have a little catching up to do. Since the driving report from New Year's Eve, we have had a lot more precipitation, but also some pretty warm temperatures. I assumed the pass would be clobbered with new snow, but I know of two successful crossings last weekend. Both required chains and some "plowing" through about ten inches of snow (I presume while also prepared to walk out if things didn't work out). Again this week there has been more rain in the valley which may or may not have affected the pass with new snow. I have no eyewitness reports yet for this weekend. There is an unusual freezing rain advisory in effect for today. This could make driving hazardous regardless of the snow depth, vehicle and tires.

Thursday, December 31
The photos below are from yesterday. There was new snow in the valley and the pass was still driveable with up to 6" on top. There is probably more new snow today. I have not yet seen it or heard about it. Happy New Year!

Wednesday, December 30

Wednesday, December 30 - Winter Storm Watch
Watch the weather. Heavy snowfall is expected tomorrow. Today may be our final driving day over the pass.

Saturday, December 26 - Driving Conditions
The pass is quite driveable for this weekend, hopefully until at least Tuesday. Snow starts near the bottom of the Beckler grade (normally a bad sign) but stays thin (no more than two inches) all the way over the top until it goes away at the bottom of the North Fork side. The ground is frozen over the entire route. The tracks are a mix of bare gravel and thin dry snow with occasional icy patches, especially on the concrete bridges. Ground clearance was not an issue. 4WD and chains were not needed, but good to have along in case of a slip somewhere along the way. I carry a shovel too, having seen many others needing them after getting stuck. Had it been necessary to to deal with oncoming traffic or to turn around, more traction help would have been needed in some places, although good tires and 4WD would probably have been enough over much of the route. Even though traction was pretty good throughout, keep in mind that much of this will become very slippery on the higher grades if there is any melting. Chains might be needed to get out after the next snow, which is not due now until Tuesday or later. The rocks in the road are pretty bad in the slide area approaching the gate. Inside the gate, there are a number of treacherous patches of clear ice on the paved road. One in particular comes up by surprise in a long curve to the right not far below the gate. Be slow or you'll end up sideways in that one.

Christmas Day
Merry Christmas, Everyone!
I hope to have more news on pass conditions on or just after the weekend.

Monday, December 14 - New Snow
It was extremely cold here last week. For two or three days, the overnight lows were 10 or below and the highs were 12 to 14. It has warmed up now and there should be new snow on the pass. Driving conditions over the pass are not yet known, but likely to be poor and becoming worse through tomorrow. There are winter storm and avalanche warnings in effect for today and tomorrow. See the weather link above for the details.

Tuesday, December 1 - Full Moon
It was a beautiful day here. Tonight, it is clear and cold. It was below freezing by 6PM. I think we're going down into the 20's. There was a spectacular full moonrise in the valley upriver. I took pictures of the pass today when I brought my car around but since I had to hike in earlier, I got here without the adapter I need to upload the photos. Several more property owners came in today. The road is in great shape. There are no special vehicle requirements.

Monday, November 30 - Plowing Complete!
Sunday I hiked in to wait for the news on plowing from the inside. One of my neighbors hiked in today. On the way in, he found a large king salmon in the road, headless with a bear sized bite out of its middle. All the streams, even the minor ones, are still full of salmon. I was just about to post that there had not yet been news from the county today, but I just got it. Mel wrote to say that they completed the plowing today. The pass is now open! It has been wet all day (unlike the forecast), but it looks like we still have dry weather in the forecast through next weekend to make good use of it. Go for it everyone - I hope you can all make it! Please drive carefully and please travel prepared. We still have cold rain in the valley, so it may be snowing up there. I think we need to assume that after the next major snow event, the road will be closed for the rest of the season. Our sincerest thanks to Mel, Roy and their county road maintenance crew for this much needed help!

Saturday Night - No go... and stolen truck found

After working a little harder on a better fit for the chains, I tried to cross the pass again today. I got within a quarter-mile of the top this time and it was still too difficult and risky. There was too great a chance of a long walk out in the dark. The snow increases in depth rapidly in the climb for the last mile and is nearly two feet deep on top. It was raining lightly and the snow was heavy and slick. Two strong 4x4 trucks with large tires were trying to make the pass ahead of me. They too were dragging and plowing snow in the center. Since they had been there, my Pathjunker was still dragging through it in 4Lo, but the chains were slipping. The snow was too thick for any of us to reach gravel any more. From where they could see the summit, they were unable to finish the trip to the top to turn around (they did not have chains), so there was no way for me to get around them anyway. I backed down for about two miles and they were doing the same ahead of me, but with a lot of difficulty. I left them in my snow dust, thanks to the chains, but I checked with them first and knew that Brad was just down the road too. I hope they got out OK later. I don't think anyone is going to get through until after the plowing which we hope to see see during the next few days. The weather forecast is still looks good for it.

I found Brad here waiting for a tow truck about four miles up to winch out this late model F350, which had snapped off some trees near the edge and plunged another 100 feet or so down this steep bank. It had been stolen and after a joy ride up here in the snow, had presumably been "sailed" unoccupied over the edge here on purpose. The tow truck was here when I got back and they were cabling up. I was able to get around it and assume they got it out but don't know yet for sure.

Friday, November 27 - Pass Conditions
I tried to make it over the pass this afternoon but was unable. It was feeling too risky for getting stuck, even with chains. Someone who had been up earlier in a truck with studded snow tires could not make it through either, and got stuck several times trying. I had to back down for a couple of miles when things didn't work out with the chains. The vehicle tracks are worn down to wet and slushy gravel over most of the lower part of the route except for a few snowy sections. Within a mile or so of the top it gets deep fast and has not seen much traffic. You can see many places where vehicles have been stuck. Only the highest three miles or so needs to be plowed, but it does need it. I may try this again tomorrow, but only after jacking up this stupid car that I hate even more now to see what can be done about making these freaking miserable chains fit right!

There was a lot of Christmas tree traffic today and there will probably be a lot more tomorrow. We have seen days like this when it took hours to cross the pass due to congestion, stuck vehicles and no turnouts. Officer Brad Lammers (USFS) was checking Christmas tree permits at the bottom of the pass. Apparently two weeks ago, someone was stranded in their vehicle near the top for two nights. Search and rescue personnel went up to get them out on the third day after one of them walked out to cell coverage to make the call. This is a good reminder that conditions can be extreme up there and we need to be well prepared.

The weather has changed for the better. Most of the new snow that was expected on the pass tonight and tomorrow is no longer in the forecast. However, the temperatures are cold enough to keep what snow is up there frozen. Where there is melting, the grades are very slippery.

Thursday, November 26 - Thanksgiving Day

Have a nice holiday weekend, everyone!

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Wednesday, November 25 - New Weather Link
My thanks to one of the county engineers who thoughtfully wrote to provide the new weather link above. This gives detailed forecast data for temperature and precipitation, snow levels, cloud cover and wind right at the Jacks Pass summit. The data showing now is an interesting study. Note that freezing levels are very high this morning with no new snow expected on top until Friday night, when the snow level will once again drop to below the level of the summit. From this it would seem that Friday is now a best prospect for a driving day (before plowing - IF there is plowing), allowing for two more days for melting and before new snow begins. There may also be a good deal of recreational "Jeep" traffic up there to help wear down some tracks. I hope to see pass conditions by the weekend, or to hear from someone who has. I am not suggesting that this be attempted before plowing unless it turns out to be safely passable. Still, I would expect a high 4WD vehicle to be necessary (with chains), while being prepared to walk up to 10 miles, and while willing to be stranded in the valley after new snow. Trust me... sometimes one finds it unexpectedly necessary to walk out of the valley and leave a vehicle stranded there in destructive conditions until Spring. Plowing for next week is not yet a sure thing. I will keep this up to date with any new information I receive through the weekend and beyond as more becomes known about the county's plowing intentions and progress. If I make it to the top, I will try to get some photos online.

Tuesday PM - Plowing Update
I am excited to share this update on the plowing situation...

"Good timing. After some brainstorming and looking at forecasts we’ve decided to schedule grading early next week to clear the snow that has accumulated so far. Of course it’s all dependent on weather but, based on the forecast, it looks like we’ll have the window. We’ll check with WSDOT on your second request."

This was about the possibility of a one-time effort to clear the road before the snow becomes impossible for all of us (even the plows) so that we can get in and out and do what we need to do before the road is closed for the rest of the winter. The weather looks like it may cooperate. This is wonderful news. If this works out, we need to do our best to make good use of this while we can. Roy's final comment is in response to a request for routine clearing of enough of the Beckler Road so that we can count on being able to get snowmobile trailers and the like safely off the highway for some of the expeditions that I'm sure we're going to want to make. They have agreed to talk to WSDOT about this one. I'll share the news when I get it. Thanks Roy!

Please watch for regular updates on this plowing thing. No news means no news, and please... If you go up and encounter their temporary "Road Closed" signs, please respect them. While plowing is underway, it will not be possible to follow the grader in and get around it. They are also concerned about vehicles that shouldn't be there yet getting stuck, making it impossible for them to get out. That would certainly not be helpful to our cause.

Tuesday, November 24 - Plowing News
Property owners will soon be receiving notice from the county that we will probably not be able to get plowing help this year. The route over Jacks Pass is expected to be closed for the winter. It is likely already impassable. I hope we get one more meltdown for a final trip in and out with vehicles, but it may not happen. The primary reason for this is that WSDOT will not be able to help due to resource limitations and the nature of the risk to their equipment (the snow blower), which must be reliable for its priority work on Stevens Pass. Without DOT's heavy duty equipment and assistance, the county does not have the resources to cope with the usual extreme snow and trees down over this road. Funding may also now be a previously unexpected issue.

Because there may have been some confusion regarding the lower Index-Galena road, the SnoCo folks would like for everyone to know...
“The route from Skykomish via Beckler River Road and Jack’s Pass, and the upper end of Index-Galena Road above the washout will not be plowed this year due to the unavailability of WSDOT’s snow removal staff and equipment”. We intend to plow the lower end of Index-Galena Road from Index to the washout at milepost 6.5 as has historically been done.”

This was not meant to be a late notice surprise. This news was meant to go out in September, but was accidentally overlooked at the county. I appreciate that we are getting the news now, rather than later. There is still time to do some good things while the valley floor is free of snow. I'll write more on my thoughts about this later. I think we should continue to be very grateful for the huge effort by WSDOT and Snohomish County that went into this winter maintenance effort for the last two years. I remember it starting out on a trial basis while it was not yet known to be possible. I think we all remember the massive efforts by those crews under extreme weather conditions and the beating their equipment was taking. Much of their work had to be done over and over again before they ever broke through so we could make use of it.

I think the most constructive thing we can be doing now is communicating and organizing to help contain the damage and protect our properties. I have some ideas and will be back with more on this when I get a chance. As always, anything security related will be in private communication only. Those of us who have right vehicles with chains should probably watch the weather and the pass closely for any opportunity we may still get to drive in, in case it may be the last. If you see it before I do, will you please let me know? I will then let everyone know. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has ideas or concerns to share.

We remember! Thanks again!

These were taken year before last on the first major snow removal project over this mountain backroad. There had been avalanches 30 feet deep with embedded trees and they cut through those too. The outcome was amazing. The last two years were extreme snow events - the worst in decades. If these turn out to be the only two years for this kind of help, they may well turn out to be the best two.

Friday, November 20 - Stormy Week
The nice weather you see below didn't last very long. There was a possibility of substantial warm rain and high enough freezing levels for flooding this week, but instead, we got a lot of new snow - not in the valley but over much of the higher levels of our driving route. Someone who came in last weekend was barely able to make it out on Sunday with a substantial 4WD SUV and chains. From the weather reports, it would likely have become much worse after that. There has been a lot of high wind, so trees down over the road are also a very good possibility. I have not yet heard from anyone who has seen the pass conditions this week. I do not yet have any plowing news. If anyone learns anything new, will you please let me know?

Thursday, November 12 - Nice day in the valley

However, please note the winter storm watch in effect for the next couple of days. It was 29 here last night.

Wednesday, November 11 - Yes, that's my car...

...and my son, Andrew ("Dad... you've really done it this time") and his manly Bronco. This was Tuesday evening after I had to leave it there on Saturday - couldn't quite make it to the top in 4WD without chains. When it quit going up, it just went sideways. I was walking back to the cabin (6 miles - after dark) when Dan and Lori came charging up the hill (with chains, of course). I rode out with them. Thanks again Dan and Lori! Andrew and I came back on Tuesday to see if we could haul it out with the Bronco but it wouldn't move without trying to slip lower and yank the Bronco off the road too. Jim Ocheltree and Eric came up from Billboard Towing in Skykomish today. They chained up the truck on top of the pass and backed it down. This was just below the second switchback. Jim is very skilled with that setup and had all the right moves. After his careful preparation, the car came right out without damage. I drove it back to the cabin. By the way, I hate this car. I'm thinking of having it buried here in the snow all winter and then selling it the Spring. That worked out fine for me once before, right BJ?

It rained heavy all night last night. It was about 34 degrees, so I was worried about the pass for this, but we had only an inch or two of new snow on top this morning (less where the car was). Andrew and I got there first and didn't want to risk much more with the Bronco, so we walked from here to the top to wait for Jim. We found some gigantic fresh hoof prints up there. An experienced hunter who came by later said they might have been elk.

Please remember Jim's capable and willing service when you have towing needs up here. With its hydraulics and winching gear, Jim can do some amazing things with that truck. This was a challenging recovery with some risk of "losing it" over the edge. We all go by Jim's place when we turn the corner onto the Beckler road. Thanks again Jim and Eric! We're glad you are nearby!

Jim Ocheltree
Billboard Towing
Beckler Road at Hwy 2
Skykomish, 360-677-2421

Thursday, October 29 - Pass conditions at 4PM

Tuesday, October 27 - Winter Storm
A winter storm warning is still in effect for today. Snow is expected above 2000 ft., which would include Jacks Pass. There have been reports of slides over the road due to the recent heavy rain, but so far everyone has been able to get through.

Tuesday, October 20 - Propane Delivery
It is that time of year again (unfortunately). Soon we will be fighting the snow again. Northern Energy would like to hear from all fixed tank customers in preparation the winter fillup. The truck will come once for all of us. We are planning on the first or second week of November. Next chance will be Spring after the meltdown. Carol is waiting to hear from everyone. Please let her know, even if you need or prefer no delivery this time. Northern Energy: 800-683-0115.

Friday, October 9 - Tragedy on Silver Creek
There was a tragic fall in the Silver Creek valley last weekend which was fatal to Vladimir Dmytriv. He was exploring with friends and apparently fell from a log while attempting to cross Silver Creek. I knew him but not well, and have heard from one of his friends. I will try to get details on the exact location and the circumstances. I am also interested in learning how things went with communication and for search and rescue personnel until he was found. I believe this happened on Saturday. The search & rescue group arrived at around 2AM Sunday morning. A helicopter assisted later in the daylight with his recovery.

Saturday, September 26 - Lots and lots of fish!
The river is full of spawning salmon. They're everywhere - thousands of them.
The Chanterelles are out. I had a mushroom omelette this morning. Tonight it's a mushroom burger and tomorrow I'll make soup with the rest.
There are quite a few property owners around this weekend. It's great to see you all here!

Friday, September 11 - County Tax Assessor Visit
Next week, personnel from the Snohomish County tax assessor's office will be touring Skyko 3 and 4 and vicinity to document and photograph our properties and update their records. This is a required visit at six year intervals. There will be two teams of two persons each with clipboards and cameras. They will be in a well marked county vehicle, but will be out mostly on foot, especially in Skyko 4. Your courtesy and hospitality will be appreciated if you happen to be here. I assisted with a brief, initial tour last week. They have been here before and remembered most of it. They are primarily reviewing the improved properties (with cabins and structures). I don't think they expect to find things changed very much, and they seem to be well aware of the flood and winter damage. They won't be here long - probably one day only, likely on Tuesday.

Tuesday, September 1 - Nearby Forest Fire
Firefighting is under way for a forest fire near Index. The Sky Valley Chronicle story is here.

Saturday, August 22 - Fire in Skyko 4
A fire was discovered this morning on an unattended Skyko 4 property (the property owners know). It started beneath an outdoor fire pit which was thought to be responsibly extinguished, and smoldered underground for a full week while developing into a dangerous root fire. One tree fell and several others were severely damaged. No cabins or structures were affected. Neighbors, other nearby residents and guests were able to contain the fire with buckets and pumps until help arrived. Both the Skykomish fire dept. and USFS firefighting teams and equipment responded. The immediate danger is over but it needs to be watched for a while, due to the nature of root fires. I have photos and will provide more details later.

Monday, July 13 - County Meeting Reminder
The County Public Open House is tomorrow evening from 6 to 8 PM at the East County Senior Center in Monroe, 276 Sky River Parkway.

Sunday, July 5 - Red Flag Warning
A Red Flag Warning is still in effect for Western Washington. The fire danger will continue through Sunday.

Wednesday, June 10
The county public meeting is now scheduled for July 14. See the county website for updates.

Friday, June 5 - Skykomish Centennial Celebration

Tuesday, June 2
The propane truck will be here tomorrow. The delivery tickets will be printed today based on your orders. There are some additional US Census workers in the area today for a brief, quality control follow-up.

Friday, May 29 - Hot!
It was above 80 today for the first time. Nights are still below 50. Great sleep! The river is up and the ants are out with a vengeance. Actually, I've heard about what their vengeance looks like up here, and I don't think this is it. Let's give them a few more days and then walk across the bridge. "Crunch, crunch, crunch..." Still nothing but sun in the forecast. We had quite the holiday weekend crowd last weekend. Some never left; well one maybe. I meant to come back earlier to say THANKS for the help with the rocks in the road!

Friday, May 22 - Propane
Our propane delivery is scheduled for the first week of June. Which day is not yet known, but it will be during Tue/Wed/Thu. They will probably come once only for the season. If you need service before November, please be sure to advise Northern Energy. They must hear from everyone to print delivery tickets for the driver, and will need to know your current tank level if possible. The truck needs to arrive with enough fuel for everyone and without too much overkill, for weight reasons. I will be here for most days between now and then if you need help with a tank reading.

Rocks in the Road
The rocks in the road just above the gate are now a significant hazard. There are a lot of them, big ones, some in the middle of the road. They are not hard to get around, but they will do serious damage if you miss. Ordinarily, I would rant about how many of "us" have been driving over and around them without stopping to move a few, but I've been one of them lately due to late arrivals or a tight schedule going out. Most of them would be easy to move by hand. I'll go up and work on it today if I get a chance. Please stop and help out on your way in if you can. Maybe everyone can just stop briefly and take care of a few of the worst ones you see left, leave the rest for someone else and move on. Last year, someone "missed" and emptied both engine oil and power steering or brake fluid onto the road, and was of course disabled and stranded until towed. The car had to be left at risk, and a family (with little ones) had to walk the 4 miles back down here for help (which would not necessarily always be here).

I have received an excellent hiking report with trail conditions on the Silver Creek road. It was not yet possible to reach Mineral City. Write for details if you are interested. We're going to have awesome weather for the holiday weekend! Come on up!

Tuesday, May 19 - County meeting postponed
The Snohomish County open house and public meeting which was tentatively scheduled for June has now been posponed until at least July in allowance for the beginning of a State Environmental Policy Act scoping process (whatever that means). Search here for some clues.

Thursday, May 14 - U.S. Census
There will be some U.S. Census personnel in the area on Friday and Saturday, counting cabins and recording GPS coordinates. I will be here.

Tuesday, May 12 - Propane
There is a Winter Weather Advisory in effect for today!
Many of us are low on propane and some are out. We usually get our Spring delivery in late May. I plan to call Northern Energy soon to let them know that I have vacation time this month and can be here to help the driver with the gate and finding all the tanks. I know they will want to be assured that the pass is in good enough shape for the truck (which it is), that the snow is gone from all the private roads and driveways, and that there will not be any problems with sink-holes or mud (after last year's experience). I'll check around up here and let them know. It might be good for all of you who know what you need to let them know. They like to hear from each of you with your orders. Last year I think most of us talked to Carol. Tell her I'm still here and I'll call too, but can't do so until I am out. She can leave me a message if she has any questions or concerns. I suggest the week of the 25th. Northern Energy: 800-683-0115

Friday, May 1

Most driveways should be accessible now. There is a warm wind this morning. It's going to be a real nice day, probably above 70. Rain is back in the weekend forecast. A forest service lock problem was found and corrected again yesterday. Please keep an eye on it when you come through the gate.

Monday, April 27 - Still Melting
Someone just reminded me that it has been a while - sure enough! There hasn't been much news. Commuting is uneventful now. We're still parking on the main road, but the snow is going fast. Probably by next weekend, we can get off the main road and back into our driveways. The County meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 11. I haven't seen any bears yet but I've heard about some. More soon! More sooner if someone sends me some news!

Thursday, April 9 - Great Food (and security issues)

This is Leanne and Henry at the Old School BBQ, just east of Monroe in front of the reptile zoo. I have always wanted to try this place but had trouble finding it open at the odd hours when I travel. Today, I finally made it. This place is real friendly and the food is outstanding! I have been to plenty of Texas BBQs (in Texas) - none better. If you haven't tried it yet, I recommend that you do. I plan to stop regularly.

The pass is all bare gravel now, most of it for a single lane only. Watch those blind corners. There is still a LOT of snow off the main road and around the cabins. Parking still has to be on the main road. For those of you between the Howard Creek bridge and the washout, that section is not yet driveable - still quite a ways to go on the melting and I don't yet know about trees over the road. Maybe some of the hikers will let us know. The Forest Service side of the gate has been vandalized again for illegal access. The rangers have been notified and have probably already secured it. Law enforcement patrols will be resuming shortly. There was one breakin over the winter that I know of. Some of us are starting to watch the neighborhood in shifts during the week. This week, we had a Mon/Tue guy, followed by a Tue/Wed guy. I took the Wed/Thu and the Thu/Fri guy was there when I left today. We can get emergency calls out via satellite phone. Help can easily be inbound before anyone who shouldn't be there can finish the trip out. If you have the flexibility and would like to help coordinate with us in this way, please let me know.

Tuesday, April 7 - Road Repair Progress
Snohomish County has announced the completion of a feasibility study for Index-Galena road relocation as a means of repair. This is an engineering-based study, now published in considerable detail, which includes a recommendation to move the damaged road away from the river, upslope into the hillside. Per the county's website (see link above), the project is still proceeding on schedule. A design report should now be completed in 2010. A public meeting to present information, and to take questions and comments, is being planned by the county for late May or early June of this year. This is a direct link to the published document. With a right-click on this link, you can download and save this PDF locally for convenient review. Happy reading!

Saturday, April 4
Nice weekend weather! No news yet. Will be here for whatever comes in.
Last report was "impassible" during the week. Does anyone know?

Friday, March 27
There were reports of new snow on the ground in Gold Bar this week. The Beckler Road was found plowed on Thursday, but not beyond the end of the pavement, where it appeared that several vehicles turned around, unable to continue. I have not yet heard anything regarding plowing progress or intentions for this weekend. Since a winter storm watch is in effect through Saturday with possible heavy accumulations of new snow, this is probably not a good time to plow, or to commute in if they have, due to the possibility of getting stuck there.

Saturday, March 21 - Pass Open
I just learned that the road was plowed through again yesterday afternoon. It was raining (not snowing), so hopefully the entire route is open again for this weekend.

Friday, March 20
Pass conditions for this weekend are not yet known. The weather forecast is a little stinky again. Yesterday, there was 4" of new snow on the Beckler, so the pass was not attempted. The Index-Galena road above Index was driveable with 2" of new snow. There was about 4" of new in the valley above the washouts. Hiking was more difficult due to the new snow and warmer weather with melting. Snow depth is still about a foot on the unplowed road. Hiking time is two hours or more depending on how hard you work at it. Some have hiked in with chains to try to retrieve a 4WD vehicle that couldn't make it out last weekend after the new snow. No news has come out of the valley yet for this weekend.

Friday, March 13 - Pass Update
The route has been impassable again this week but has now been plowed up to, but not beyond the gate. The depth of new snow on the road beyond the gate was reported to be about 5 or 6 inches. I suspect there will be a fair amount of traffic enroute this afternoon to beat that down. It sounds like chains might be adviseable. Keep in mind that much new precipitation is in the forecast for the weekend. Keep an eye on exit conditions, or be prepared to stay.

Friday, February 27 - Pass Open Again
Cecil's crew found a foot of new snow on Jacks Pass and has plowed it open again. Thanks Cecil, and please thank your crew for us!

Wednesday, February 25 - Pass Conditions
Monday night, the pass was bare and wet. Most of the entire route has been cleared wide enough for passing traffic. Tuesday at noon, there was 2-4" of new snow on top and for at least the upper third of both grades. It did not look like the depth of the snow would be a problem through yesterday, but traction was an issue. It was very slippery, probably requiring 4WD or chains to climb either grade later in the day. Today, there has been much new precipitation in the area. The depth of new snow may be a problem by now. Certainly, traction will still be an issue. A winter weather advisory is in effect, calling for quite a bit of new snow.

Saturday, February 21 - ROAD OPEN
Many reports have come in that the road is in fantastic shape and all have expressed their appreciation for the crew's awesome work. Hiking conditions from the Index side have also been reported to be very good, with a firm lower snow pack and much of the tedious snow gone from the forest on the hillside. Snow damage reports are starting to come in. Please check your properties.

Friday, February 20 - The road opens at noon today.
The Jacks Pass road work is near completion this morning. WSDOT plans to wrap up, change the lock, remove the signs and open the road at noon today. Once again, many thanks to Cecil and his crews for their hard work, and to our friends at  Snohomish County for the arrangements.

Tuesday, February 17 - Plowing Update
Cecil wrote moments ago to share the news that they have reached the cabins. There are still some challenges due to slides and they still have quite a bit of work to do (a few more days). They "just got through." THE ROAD IS STILL CLOSED. Our padlock has been changed at the gate. There will be no access until they get back to us with news that they have finished and have removed the road closure and restored our padlock. It looks pretty good for this weekend. I should have more details and more of their photos online by tomorrow. Thank you Cecil!

Saturday, February 14 - Hiking Conditions
Hiking conditions are reported to be... Two hours enroute, four inches of new snow - about 24" total on the valley floor.
Snowshoes and traction devices were not required. There is a pack of coyotes in the valley.

ROAD STILL CLOSED
Friday, February 13 - More Plowing News
Bob is back again with photos of the tree-on-the-bridge problem. I also received a very nice report from a snowcat expedition last weekend. First, here is the latest news from the county about the road clearing project. Cecil and his WSDOT crew are back on the job. They have completed the Beckler pavement stretch and have started up the hill on the USFS gravel portion. They are now making steady progress, but slowly and not without difficulties. In one day, 43 trees had to be cleared. Last weekend, four vehicles had to be stopped which had gone past the "road closed" signs. This has raised safety concerns. Not only can they not operate when there are public safety concerns, they will not appreciate being stuck in there at the end of a day's work when someone gets stuck on the "closed road" behind them. We have been urged to please wait patiently for further news and to PLEASE honor their "road closed" signs when they are in there working. No one needs to drive up there to see how things are going. You can't get close enough to tell. It has been mentioned that vehicle plate numbers will be recorded. They wish to remind us that they DO work on the weekend. Cecil will let us know how they are doing next week, and they will absolutely let us know when the job is complete so that we can then go in. I will not be out of touch when their news comes in. If things are quiet here, I am still waiting for news too. I have backup for this, so there will be no delay in posting the good news here when it comes in. My thanks to our county contacts for keeping us informed, and again to Cecil and his crew!  It sounds like our wait may soon be over - couple of weeks, maybe!

• Feasibility study completed in March 2009.
• Design Report completed beginning of 2010.

Looking down the Beckler grade from Jack summit

This avalanche was just above the gate. Meltdown has a long ways to go

The river is pretty busy with the melting snow. It is just in the process of turning from green to brown. Most of you know what that means for level. The hydrograph at the Galena bridge still shows an upward trend, but I suspect it will level off after sundown. It is just about right for great sleep - noisy but no worries! I expect to have a very interesting bear story for you shortly.

Thursday, May 15 - It's here!

AFTER A COOL AND CLOUDY SPRING IN WESTERN WASHINGTON...A DRAMATIC
SHIFT TO HOT AND SUNNY WEATHER WILL TAKE PLACE STARTING THURSDAY.

Crossing Cascade Gulch

Time to go to work!

 Photo by Bob Plaag *
This vehicle and one other were known to cross the pass on Thursday and Friday. The Civic was marginal but was able to make it with chains. The other was a large SUV and was OK with 4WD and no chains. They had to stop and do some shoveling to pass each other. There were about 8" of new snow on top. This photo was taken at 11AM on Friday. There is likely more new snow since then, and so far no more news.

Melting continues

"Hello... just looking for food. What do you want?" That's funny... me too!

Watch those blind corners!	More than just snow!
Still For Sale	"The Slide"
OK, now...  just PUSH!	Past the cabins!  Guess he's goin' fishing!

FOR SALE! Honda CRV Suggestion...

January 15

February 25

Just above the lower roadblock, about to leave the road for the high trail.	Typical trail conditions (waist deep). If you follow me, don't laugh. I lost track of the trail many times. Better yet, don't follow me.
Between the washouts, back on the main road for a while. Tolerable only on snowshoes.	Out of the forest (and where I should have turned around).
Looking ahead with three miles to go. Finish or go back? After the next mile or so, I was past the point of no return  (in daylight back through the forest).	Last picture I could take in daylight - approaching the big rocks. I was so glad to see them finally (1 mile to go), but they followed me for a while. Every time I looked back, they were still there (because progress was SO slow)!
This morning.	Neighbor's cabin