Crews Prepare Washington's North Cascades Highway for Spring Reopening

The Washington State Department of Transportation reopened the North Cascades Highway on Tuesday, May 16, after completing snow removal. The road is closed through the winter because of avalanche danger and reopened each spring.Officials didn’t think the road would reopen until mid-June because of the amount of snow that fell over the winter, according to a report. It is the third latest reopening of the highway.The reopening is also marked by 95-year-old Tootsie Clark being the first in line to drive the scenic highway with her famous cinnamon rolls in hand. Those who gather for the reopening are treated to her rolls and mugs of coffee. But this may be the last time Clark attends the annual reopening.This video shows the snow removal along Highway 20, which includes crews triggering an avalanche.