Wintry mix, poor driving noise Snoqualmie Pass trip | Columbia Basin

SNOQUALMIE PASS – Christmas Day travel was arduous for many people traveling through Snoqualmie Pass, according to information from the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Several skids and accidents caused by people driving too fast for the conditions or not having the proper traction equipment are believed to be to blame, according to motorists who drove over the pass today.

Shortly after 2:30 p.m., WSDOT said the eastbound lanes west of Snoqualmie Pass were closed due to blocking vehicles. The closure only lasted 20 minutes.

Since early afternoon, WSDOT road cameras have been showing eastbound bumper-to-bumper traffic since at least 5:15 p.m. According to the WSDOT website, Snoqualmie Pass has endured steady snowfall with snow, slush and ice on the roads. Chains are still required for all vehicles except four-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicles. According to the Washington State Patrol, the fine for not chaining up when your vehicle requires it is $500.

10 to 14 inches of snow is expected to fall on Snoqualmie Pass this evening, with another 6 to 10 inches on Thursday.

As for the other mountain passes, chains will be required in both directions at Stevens Pass as of 5:15 p.m. and snow will fall, with 8 to 12 inches of snow expected tonight and 7 to 13 inches of snow tomorrow. Traction tires are required for Blewett Pass, where it snows heavily. 4 to 8 inches of new snow should accumulate tonight. Traction tires are recommended for Manstash Pass, 1 to 2 inches is expected tonight, and only minor snow accumulation is expected Thursday.