Date:
Monday, June 09, 2008
Contact:
Mike Westbay, WSDOT Communications – 509-728-4712 (Snoqualmie Pass)
Jeff Adamson, WSDOT Communications – 509-667-2815 (Stevens Pass)
Patrick Conrad, WSDOT Communications – 206-440-4788 (Seattle)
Jeremy Wright, WSDOT Communications – 360-905-2078 (White Pass)
It’s not summer yet. A winter storm warning has WSDOT crews quickly switching from mowers to snowplows in the mountain passes.
A storm bringing cold temperatures is expected to hit the western slopes of the Cascades hard this evening and that may mean snow in the passes, especially I-90, US 12 and the North Cascades Highway and Chinook Pass. Drivers should be prepared for winter-like driving conditions.
“We will have crews working through the night, and we’ll have extra crews on standby just in case this storm hits hard,” said Monty Mills, WSDOT maintenance manager for snow and ice operations.
Crews will be on the roads today and tonight applying deicer as necessary to prevent the road surface from icing up. As much as 6 inches of snow could fall overnight.
Crews will be prepared for snow at the following passes:
•US 12 - White Pass – up to four snowplows
•SR 410 - Chinook Pass – crews will lay down solid deicer today
•I-90 - Snoqualmie Pass – up to seven snowplows
•US 2 - Stevens Pass – one snowplow, three on standby
•SR 20 - Washington and Rainy passes – two snowplows on standby
For the last few weeks, crews have transitioned from fighting snow to mowing grass, tackling weeds, striping lane lines and sweeping roads. It’s back to winter operations tonight.
“In 30 years I can only remember two other times when it snowed this late in the season,” said Sam Krahenbuhl, Snoqualmie Pass assistant maintenance superintendent. “One time it snowed on a 4th of July weekend. This is really rare.”
What can drivers do?
If you travel this evening, expect to see snow in the highest elevations. Weather forecasts indicate temperatures are expected to warm up and the threat of snow should be gone by 9 a.m. Tuesday. WSDOT crews will be ready overnight and checking the highways for snow accumulation.
Know before you go: Get current pass and weather conditions from the 5-1-1 traveler information phone system and the Web - www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/
If you must go out, please remember:
•Pay extra attention to bridges, curves and shady spots
•Stay back from snow clearing equipment
•Allow more time to travel
•Keep a safe driving distance from the vehicle in front of you
•Turn off the cruise control
•Tune to highway advisory radio broadcasts for current conditions at AM 1610 or AM 530
•Watch for electronic messages signs to show current conditions and speed limits.
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