Snow falling on mountain passes

SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. — Snow is falling at Stevens Pass Wednesday morning at an elevation of about 4,000 feet. At Snoqualmie Pass, conditions are not as wintry, but about two inches of snow has fallen.

Washington State Department of Transportation crews have been out plowing I-90, where there will be heavy traffic heading into Thanksgiving.

WSDOT says using caution is key as well as well as leaving enough time to get across the passes.

WSDOT says crews are ready on mountain passes to help clear roads in case of extreme weather.

About 30,000 vehicles use I-90 over the pass daily. Combined with the potential for storms or avalanches, drivers should be prepared for an emergency or a long wait.

"We never know when we have to close the pass. When avalanche conditions become a concern, we close the pass, so you will sit in your car for a bit when the weather gets that bad,” said Harmony Weinberg with WSDOT.

Their advice is to make sure to have emergency items such as food, water and extra clothes in your vehicle.

Drivers should also watch for traffic lane changes due to a new avalanche bridge near the pass. WSDOT has all the information on their site.

Download the KIRO 7 Weather App for what you need to know before heading to the mountains.

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Cox Media Group