THE ROAD AHEAD

Each year in April, residents begin to get a bit of cabin fever and wonder when the Thompson Pass road will be open, connecting the county with Idaho.

The pass generally opens around Mother's Day weekend. Montana Department of Transportation crews are currently working to plow the pass. It is maintained up to mile marker 16 in the winter. The remaining miles of the pass road are used by snowmobilers and other outdoor enthusiasts through the winter season.

Dave Bennett of Thompson Falls took the aerial photos on Tuesday, showing progress the MDT crews have made. At left and below, the crest of Thompson Pass is seen, marking the border between Montana and Idaho.