On Friday, Dec. 25, both Interstate 90 at Snoqualmie Pass and U.S. 2 at Stevens Pass were opened in both directions.
Traction tires were required and drivers were advised to expect winter conditions on the roadways.
Both directions of Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass were closed nearly all of Thursday -- due to high avalanche danger and deteriorating travel conditions.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS:
- Closures have been off and on at the passes since Friday – due to collisions and avalanche control work.
- Open in both directions on Friday, Dec. 25.
- U.S. 2 over Stevens Pass reopened shortly after 1 p.m. after it was closed for avalanche control.
- Passes could see another 10-12" of snow, another 7-12" or more overnight Thursday.
- Drivers should check the department's mountain-pass reports before heading over Snoqualmie and Stevens passes.
- Drivers should pack blankets, food and water for the trip.
- Chains are required on both Cascade passes for all vehicles except those with four-wheel drive.
What's the latest with Snoqualmie Pass?
On Friday, Dec. 25, both Interstate 90 at Snoqualmie Pass and U.S. 2 at Stevens Pass were opened in both directions.
Traction tires were required and drivers were advised to expect winter conditions on the roadways.
Washington State Department of Transportation crews worked throughout the night on avalanche control work, as well as clearing the roadway of snow, crashes and motorists in trouble.
>> PHOTOS: Some delight in mountain snow, as others brave roads in holiday travel
Snoqualmie Pass is about 54 miles east of Seattle and is the major east-west passageway over the Cascade Range.
Conditions were so bad on Snoqualmie Pass Wednesday evening that the Washington State Department of Transportation closed the pass both ways from North Bend to Cle Elum.
What's the latest with Stevens Pass?
U.S. 2 over Stevens Pass had reopened in both directions on Friday.
Thursday, Dec. 24, it had been closed for the majority of the day.
It reopened shortly after 1 p.m. Both directions of U.S. 2 near mile post 42 east of Baring were blocked late Thursday night because of downed trees.
White Pass on U.S. 12 is open.
Why are the pass cameras down?
There's a power outage up at the pass affecting the cameras and the ski resort. Puget Sound Energy crews are hard at work to restore the power but are facing big challenges with the weather.
Weather forecast?
Forecasters are calling for another foot of snow Thursday and another foot of snow Thursday evening over the passes. Click here to read KIRO 7 meteorologist Nick Allard's forecast.
Alternate routes?
With I-90 closed we expect heavy traffic on U.S. 2, U.S. 12 and I-84.
What can you do?
Follow along on this blog, Twitter, Facebook, use our Android or iPhone mobile app and the Snoqualmie pass website.
Want to talk about the news of the day? Watch free streaming video on the KIRO 7 mobile app and iPad app, and join us here on Facebook.
KIRO
