Date:
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Contact:
Mike Westbay, WSDOT Communications Manager, (509) 728-4712 (Yakima)
Meagan McFadden, WSDOT Communications, (509) 654-0697 (Yakima)
Alice Fiman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 789-4035 (Olympia)
HYAK – High winds and many inches of wet, heavy snow pounded I-90 Snoqualmie Pass last night creating a power outage. WSDOT information specialists are busy working to restore power on Snoqualmie Pass.
The early morning power outage (approximately 2:30 a.m.) has limited tools WSDOT uses to inform drivers of highway conditions. Several overhead electronic signs are not functioning, but portable electronic signs are being put in place to advice drivers of current roadway conditions. Most of the traffic cameras are out, but Highway Advisory Radios are being updated frequently and travelers can call 511 for updated conditions.
All Snoqualmie Pass ski resorts are currently closed due to the power outage. The area without power along I-90 extends from Denny Creek area (4 miles west of the Summit), all the way to Easton (18 miles east of the Summit).
At 7:49 a.m. a natural snow slide came from above the east snow shed (6 smiles east of Snoqualmie Pass) and blocked the left eastbound lane of I-90. Traffic is now moving in both directions, but eastbound traffic is restricted to one lane.
Currently the temperature on Snoqualmie Pass is in the low 30’s and it’s snowing lightly with compact snow and ice on the road way. Traction tires are required on all vehicles and chains are required on all vehicles over 10,000 gross vehicle weight.
This winter storm has also caused problems near Stevens Pass. US 2 west of Stevens Pass is temporarily closed due to downed power lines near Skykomish. WSDOT crews closed the road so power crews can clear the lines and secure the area. The power company will reopen the road once the lines have been cleared.
###
< Back to News Home