Date:
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Contact:
Contact: Alice Fiman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 705-7080 (Olympia)
Mike Westbay, WSDOT Communications (509) 728-4712 (Snoqualmie Pass)
Jeff Adamson, WSDOT Communications (509) 667-2815 (Stevens Pass)
Al Gilson, WSDOT Communication, (509) 324-6015 (Spokane)
Updated 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9
OLYMPIA – Challenging driving conditions await all who need to travel across the Cascade Mountains and into Central and Eastern Washington. Snoqualmie Pass received another 3.5 inches overnight and more is expected today.
In the Spokane area and throughout Eastern Washington, drivers will see compact snow and ice or slush on most state highway sections. Two short-term state highways remain closed due to drifting snow. SR 194 from Almota to Pullman (MP 0-21) and SR 272 from Colfax to Palouse (MP 0-19) are closed until noon today to allow crews time to clear the roadway.
The forecast shows another break between storms midday, similar to Tuesday, with snow increasing again in the early evening and building as the night progresses.
Extra plow drivers have been brought to Snoqualmie Pass from Yakima and Bellevue to help combat the storm.
WSDOT Avalanche forecasters brought down an avalanche onto I-90 at 1 a.m. at the East Snow Shed (6 miles east of Snoqualmie Pass). WSDOT maintenance crews removed the snow that piled up eight feet high on one side and four feet high on the other. It took close to 45 minutes to clear the highway.
Drivers cooperated, for the most part on Wednesday, by driving cautiously and obeying the chain requirements. Very few collisions and were reported on Snoqualmie Pass Wednesday.
WSDOT is shifting trucks and materials to the hard hit areas, applying anti-icers, plowing and clearing storm debris and standing water from roadways. Maintenance managers are watching forecasts and getting reports from road crews to be ready for the next storm.
For the most current traffic and travel conditions, check www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts. If you must travel through snow and ice, you can expect delays. Remember, ice and snow, take it slow.
Weather experts predict more snow for the Olympics and Cascades and throughout Eastern Washington. Temperatures should warm during daytime hours, then drop again overnight and bring more snow to the mountains.
Warmer temperatures are predicted for Thursday. At www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/weather drivers can look at weather forecasts and road temperatures throughout the state.
Drivers should also take some extra time to prepare themselves and their cars for winter travel. Mountain pass conditions and chain requirements are available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/.
If you must travel over mountain pass highways and through Central and Eastern Washington, drivers are encouraged to drive for conditions and carry chains. Pass conditions will likely require vehicles to use tire chains. During “chains required” conditions, Washington State Patrol will be slowing traffic to check for chains on vehicles crossing Snoqualmie pass. Avalanche closures could also delay travelers over Snoqualmie Pass or Stevens Pass.
Prepare for winter driving conditions:
*On Ice and Snow Take It Slow.
*Allow more time to travel.
*Carry chains.
*Fill your gas tank prior to driving over the pass.
*Check fluid levels such as antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and motor oil.
*Check tire pressure, lights, battery and wiper blades.
*Keep a safe driving distance.
*Make sure your cell phone battery is fully charged.
*Carry food and water in case you get delayed in a remote area.
*Turn off the cruise control.
Know Before You Go:
*On WSDOT’s updated winter Web site, www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter, drivers can find links to all kinds of winter driving-related information including preparing a vehicle for winter driving, a list of winter emergency kit items, safe driving tips and information on mountain pass travel advisories.
*WSDOT offers several ways to get up-to-date traffic and construction information from our Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov before you leave your home or office.
*At www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/weather drivers can look at weather forecasts and road temperatures throughout the state.
*At www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts, the color-coded map shows statewide traffic conditions, including construction delays and highway incidents.
*511 - This driver information phone line provides real-time traffic, incident and closure information. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388 while out-of-state callers can call 1-800-695-ROAD (7623)
*Drivers with Web service on their cellular phones and PDAs can access the Seattle area traffic flow map, ferry schedules, mountain pass reports at www.wsdot.wa.gov/small.
On the Road:
*Overhead and roadside electronic signs – Overhead and freeway signs provide emergency and incident alerts and, in some Seattle-area locations during rush hours, point-to-point travel times
*Highway advisory radio - Yellow signs with flashing lights alert drivers to tune into radio frequencies airing construction updates. Think about programming AM 1610 and AM 530 into your car radio.
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