Wintertime driving in Washington can mean heavy snowfall, challenging driving conditions, and at times,  closures on the mountain passes.  Icicle TV was invited along for a rare inside view of the DOT Avalanche Control Crew at work on Stevens Pass/Highway 2.

Mike Stanford, WSDOT Avalanche Forecast Supervisor for the North Central Region, took Icicle TV correspondent Russ Ricketts along for a ride at 2:00 am to show him his morning routine of lighting off 50 pound bags of AN/FO explosives, setting off thundering avalanches down over Highway 2.  Many different components come into play when controlling these vital roadways and the Department of Transportation does an amazing job to mitigate risk posed to drivers.

Forecasters, avalanche control and maintenance crews work together to keep our roads clear.  Icicle TV wants to give a big thanks to everyone at the DOT for all of their behind the scenes hard work!

For road conditions, web cams, and the latest news and updates: www.wsdot.gov