Driving through the pass is treacherous in heavy snow, danger of avalanches

WESTERN WASHINGTON – The Cascades will be hit by heavy snow on Thursday, making roads treacherous for drivers.

Early Thursday, Interstate 90 eastbound, five miles west of the summit near Denny Creek, was closed due to outages and accidents. It reopened about 40 minutes later.

Drivers attempting to drive over Snoqualmie Pass on Christmas Day faced heavy snow, traffic and numerous travel restrictions. Due to spinouts and crashes, the pass was also temporarily closed on Christmas Day.

There was compact snow and ice on Interstate 90 at Snoqualmie Pass Thursday morning. Chains are required for all vehicles after kilometer 47, and even if you have a four-wheel drive, the law requires you to carry a set of chains in your car when driving in winter.

If you don’t have chains, you could be fined $500.

A winter storm warning in the Cascades with elevations of 3,500 feet and above is in effect until 10 p.m., bringing an additional 6 to 18 inches of snow with wind gusts exceeding 55 mph. Travel will be more difficult during the first half of the day, according to KOMO News meteorologist George Waldenberger.

A winter storm warning for the Olympics with elevations of 4,000 feet and above is in effect until 4 p.m. as another 4 to 8 inches of snow and wind gusts of 65 mph are expected.

SEE ALSO | Avalanche forecast explained: How experts assess snow stability in the Cascades

An avalanche warning is also in effect until 6 p.m. around Stevens and Snoqualmie passes, the backcountry of the western slopes of the Washington Cascades and Mt. Hood.

Get the latest pass requirements from the Washington State Department of Transportation.