Washington’s mountain passes were blanketed with heavy snow from Tuesday into Wednesday morning, and that accumulation is about to double by Thursday.
About a foot to 2 feet of snow accumulated in the passes. Travelers can expect another foot or two with snow showers over the Cascades in the next 36 hours, said National Weather Service meteorologist Jacob DeFlitch.
NWS has issued a winter storm warning for several mountain passes through 4 p.m. Thursday.
Stevens Pass saw the most accumulation, with 23 inches in the last 24 hours as of 6 a.m. Wednesday, while Snoqualmie Pass saw the least, with about 10 inches of snow, DeFlitch said.
Eastbound Interstate 90 was closed between North Bend and the summit after several crashes Tuesday night but has reopened, said the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Traction tires are advised over Snoqualmie on I-90 and Blewett passes on Highway 97, and oversize vehicles aren’t allowed, WSDOT said. Snow and slush are on the road on Snoqualmie Pass and compact slush and ice are on Blewett Pass.
Drivers are also advised to carry chains or alternative traction devices.
White Pass on Highway 12 has compact snow and ice on the roadway, WSDOT said. Traction tires are required. Chains are required for vehicles over 10,000 pounds, while oversize vehicles aren’t allowed.
