Date:
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Contact:
Meagan McFadden, WSDOT Communications, (509) 654-0697 (Hyak)
Travis Phelps, WSDOT Communications, (206) 440-4788 (Seattle)
11:08 am - UPDATE
I-90 - Snoqualmie Pass: Traffic delayed for avalanche control work. Eastbound traffic will be stopped near Gold Creek (mp 56) and westbound traffic will be stopped near Price Creek (mp 61). Drivers should expect lengthy delays.
US 2 - Stevens pass: Closed. We expect to reopen the road at 12 pm
US 12 - White Pass: Closed. This closure is likely to last all day.
6:30 am
SNOQUALMIE PASS – WSDOT avalanche control crews worked through the night and plan to open Snoqualmie Pass this morning.
“Crews made good progress over night,” said Regional Administrator Don Whitehouse. “They’ve been working since 11 p.m. yesterday to bring down potential avalanches. Now our crews are working to clear fallen snow from the roadway.”
What’s next
In the next 24 hours, forecasters predict more than a foot of snow will fall on Snoqualmie Pass. Drivers should continue to expect longer than usual delays and prepare for winter weather conditions.
“The weather isn’t letting up,” said Whitehouse. “You can expect up to 50 miles of hazardous driving conditions if you plan to travel over Snoqualmie Pass and continue though Cle Elem.”
So far this winter, Snoqualmie Pass has received 378 inches of snow – 72 inches just this month, and if it continues to snow, the number will exceed last year’s total of 389 inches.
WSDOT has 36 to 40 crew members, including avalanche experts, working to keep up with storm.
US 2 Stevens Pass and US 12 White Pass remain closed
Heavy snowfall and high avalanche risk forced crews to close both US 2 Stevens Pass and US 12 White pass. US 2 is experiencing high winds and white-out conditions. Multiple snow slides have closed US 12 at least through Thursday evening.
What can drivers do?
- Know before you go and check the Web pages before you head out to snowy areas. Bookmark www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes
- Use the 511 traveler information system to get up-to-date information about road closures
- Near the pass, tune 1610 AM or 530 AM on your radio for the latest pass information
- Be prepared and keep a winter car kit in your vehicle. Find out more on WSDOT’s Web site: www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter
- Remember: Ice and snow, take it slow
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Drivers can now get real time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that managed 4.6 million calls each year. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass condition, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
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