The public will be able to listen to the state Fish and Wildlife Commission's conference call Friday at four Western Washington locations. The commission is expected to vote on new allocation guidelines for the Columbia River spring chinook fishery.

People interested in hearing the discussion can do so via speaker phone at 5 p.m. at state Department of Fish and Wildlife offices in Olympia, Montesano, Mill Creek and Vancouver, Wash. No public comments will be taken at Friday’s meeting.

The conference call was scheduled after commissioners split 4-4 on a proposal made by commissioner Conrad Mahnken at a public meeting Saturday that would change allocation guidelines for this year’s spring chinook fishery on the lower Columbia River in favor of recreational fisheries.

Click here for addresses of the offices were you can listen to the conference call.

Click here for a story from Sunday's News Tribune covering the commission's debate.

I'm in Wenatchee right now on my way to Osoyoos, B.C. Just went over Snoqualmie and Blewett passes. Both were in great shape.

To say I wasn't looking forward to crossing Snoqualmie Pass would be an understatement considering the trouble I-90 has had staying open of late.

The road was bare and wet even though traction tires were required and temperatures were about 30 degrees. It was a bit like driving down a bobsled track however, with snow so high on the side of the roads it was hard to get a good look at the ski areas. Safe to say skiing must pretty good right now.

I only dipped below 60 mph once (I got stuck behind a minivan caravan.)

Snow is coming however, so pass conditions could change soon. Call 511 from your cell for the latest conditions.

I hope to ski Apex tomorrow. I'll try to post pictures and my thoughts tomorrow night.