Artist Point: Snow removal starts

by the Foothills Gazette
COUNTY – After weeks of unseasonably cold spring and early summer weather, this week’s weather took on summer with temperatures in the high 80s and sunny skies. The change in weather comes at the same time the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has begin the annual provcess to remove snow from the end of Mount Baker Highway, allowing motorists to access Artist Point.
With a bulldozer, excavator and blower, the WSDOT crew started work Tuesday, July 6, to remove snow from the last few miles of Mount Baker Highway. The effort began under sunny skies and warm temperatures.
“I guess the switch to summertime just started… If it stays like this, it will work real well for us,” said Theo Donk, maintenance supervisor for the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Artist Point is 5,400 feet above sea level and is covered in snow most of the year.
Warm temperatures will aid DOT workers by helping to melt the snow, which is deeper than normal because of late seasonal snowfall and a cool spring into summer.
Donk said the goal is to take four weeks to clear snow from the last 2.7-mile stretch of the Mount Baker Highway.
“The snow gets deeper as you go up the hill,” he said.
The snow depth is about five feet at the lower gate at Mt. Baker Ski Area, where the road closure starts, and a little more than 20 feet in the parking lot for Artist Point.
The work will begin with a bulldozer, which can move plenty of snow in a hurry, Donk explained. It will move snow until what remains is at a depth that the excavator and blower, which come in after the bulldozer, can handle.
Artist Point is a popular viewpoint that sits at the end of the highway and features 360-degree views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. It is the starting-off point for numerous stunning mountain hikes.
Artist Point usually is open from July to the first substantial snowfall of the year in late September or early October.
Last year, it opened on July 14 and closed on Sept. 29.

Conditions

After weeks of colder weather and late season snowfall, a lot of snow remains in the high country. While snow melt is starting, officials advise visitors and hikers to be aware of conditions. For information, stop in at the Glacier Public Service Center or contact the Mt. Baker Ranger District at (360) 856-5700. Updated conditions are posted online www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/.