Deschutes County snowplows could finish preparing Cascade Lakes Highway beyond Mt. Bachelor to open by the start of the Memorial Day weekend.

May 25 — the Friday before the weekend — is the target date, said Chris Doty, the county’s road department director.

The road was closed Wednesday from the Deschutes Bridge gate just north of the Crane Prairie Reservoir to the gate at Mt. Bachelor. The road should be opened up beyond the Deschutes Bridge to Lava Lake by this afternoon, Doty said.

With that change, motorists can access Lava Lake, he said.

On Wednesday, crews were plowing at Devil’s Lake, about eight miles from Mt. Bachelor. The plows are facing snow that’s four to six feet deep, Doty said.

The stretch of road that will be closed from Lava Lake to Mt. Bachelor is about 17 miles.

As for the chances of meeting the self-imposed deadline, Doty said, “I wouldn’t use the word ‘optimistic,’ but we’re hopeful.”

He noted that there’s always the possibility of unexpected issues, such as equipment breakdowns, causing last-minute delays.

The highway is already open from its intersection with state Highway 58 in Klamath County to the Deschutes Bridge gate.