SNOQUALMIE PASS - WSDOT and the Washington State Patrol (WSP) hosted a public meeting on November 14, 2006 to discuss winter operation methods, challenges, and an innovative approach to keeping Snoqualmie Pass open. WSDOT and WSP staff were on hand to share information, answer questions, and listen to your comments.
WSDOT scheduled speakers and breakout sessions where opinions were expressed and the following topics were discussed:
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Winter Operation Modifications
In continuing efforts to “Keep Snoqualmie Pass Open”, WSDOT has made several modifications to the snow and ice operations this winter. Comments provided at the public meeting on November 14 and actual operational experiences have contributed to these changes. Efforts continue to explore further efficiencies to provide the best level of service possible to pass travelers. ( Read more....) |
The Snoqualmie Pass Snowfall and Closures page is updated weekly.
A Map is available that shows efforts to Keep Snoqualmie Pass Open.
Avalanche Control :
Heavy snowfall in the mountains followed by rain or warm weather increases avalanche hazards. WSDOT avalanche control technicians use explosive-controlled avalanches to direct when and where the snow comes down the mountain. These methods are required on Interstate 90 Snoqualmie Pass and are used to help keep drivers safe. When possible, avalanche control is done during periods of light traffic since traffic must be stopped for safety. Each winter, specially trained avalanche control teams are stationed at Hyak near the summit of Snoqualmie Pass on I-90. The teams' purpose is to decrease the avalanche hazard for travelers and reduce the duration of winter highway closures.
Chemical Snow and Ice Control :
Highway maintenance crews are ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to prevent ice from forming on the roadway or remove snow and ice from the roadway. This task takes precedence over all other non-emergency work. WSDOT has greatly reduced the use of sand for providing traction during snowy and icy conditions. Chemicals (salts) are now the primary method for controlling snow and ice to improve winter roadway conditions.
WSDOT takes a two-step approach to keeping roads safe during winter weather. Applying anti-icing compounds prevents ice from forming on the highways in the most vulnerable locations. If snow or ice appears on highways, WSDOT plows the roads and applies chemicals. The goal remains the same - to provide a higher level of service to motorists with the existing level of funding. The experience of past winters reinforces the subjective evaluation that the anti-icing program has resulted in better pavement conditions, fewer collisions, less severe collisions, less damage to headlights, windshields, and brakes, less air and water pollution, better visibility, and significantly improved freight mobility.
Traffic Flow Management :
Traffic Flow Management, a new process to WSDOT, has received a lot of attention. This process has been successfully implemented on Donner Pass in California and used for many years. By managing the traffic flow over Snoqualmie Pass, WSDOT is able to increase safety for motorists. The majority of traffic incidents on Snoqualmie Pass occur eastbound just before the summit. A single spinout can easily lead to a chain reaction pileup and hours of traffic backups. Traffic Flow Management adjusts the number of vehicles per hour across the pass. This method reduces the risk of collisions and allows WSDOT maintenance crews to safely remove roadway snow and ice. WSDOT crews use this operation when the weather forecast predicts six inches of snow within a 12 hour period.
Communications:
WSDOT is committed to providing the traveling public timely and accurate information through the use of the web, 511, Highway Advisory Radio (HAR), Variable Message Signs (VMS), Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCMS), cameras , mountain pass reports and media. Coordinating these efforts continues to challenge even our most proficient employees. On Snoqualmie Pass, we're dependent upon the eyes and ears of onsite personnel to provide our Traffic Management Center with accurate information. A communications breakdown affects the entire economy of the state as travelers don't receive accurate or timely information. WSDOT knows that we must do a better job. Mountainous terrain is a challenge to consistent radio and telephone communications. At the public meeting, we welcome your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions on how our systems can be improved.
SR 906 Winter Traffic Congestion:
SR 906 serves as a vital link for travelers, skiers, visitors, business owners, business employees, and residents traveling in the summit area. On any given weekend, traffic volumes can exceed the capacity of this narrow corridor, bringing traffic to a stand still, and leading to motorist frustration. Parking for visitors and users of facilities is inadequate, snow storage is always a problem, and truck parking is a huge concern to all users.
Access for Emergency Services and Pass Employees:
WSDOT recognizes that pass closures and/or delays create traffic backups. Often times, people who work at the summit and Emergency Services are included in these backups. WSDOT does not want to delay an emergency service vehicle or summit employees from getting to their destination in a timely manner. WSDOT has discussed a few ideas on how these delays can be avoided for emergency vehicles and summit business owners, but a solution has not been reached yet. WSDOT welcomes your ideas on this subject.
Chain Enforcement and Chain Installation :
In 2006, the State Legislature authorized WSDOT to issue permits allowing businesses and individuals to install and remove motorist-owned tire chains. WSDOT has installed signs along I-90 highlighting chain-up services. Drivers pull into these locations and signal to the chain installer they are ready. Chain installers cannot sell tire chains, however, can offer expertise installing tire chains quickly which increases safety and convenience. What will it cost?
- Passenger vehicle/light duty truck chain installation: $25 per vehicle
- Passenger vehicle/light duty truck chain removal: $10 per vehicle
- Sale of chain tighteners/elastic cords $3 each tightener or cord
- Repair of broken or missing chain link $5 each link
- Large truck (vehicles over 10,000 GVW) - chain installation: $25 per tire chained
- Large truck (vehicles over 10,000 GVW) - Chain removal: $5 per tire chain removed
When the Washington State Patrol does chain enforcement, it will create delays much like traffic flow management. The main function of chain enforcement is to increase safety to the traveling public.
Winter Operations Modifications - continued
We recognize that Traffic Flow Management (TFM) is not needed when chain enforcement is activated, and will not employ both efforts at the same time. A coordinated effort between WSDOT and WSP is providing strictly controlled chain enforcement. When we are managing traffic flow with TFM, we will set up at mile post 34, where there is a convenient turn around and access to services. A traffic counter is used to determine the number of lanes to be closed when TFM is implemented.
We have placed a Superintendent on Snoqualmie Pass during the winter, providing better coverage and on scene response for management decisions. Scheduling a night time avalanche supervisor has increased WSDOT’s ability to regularly evaluate avalanche conditions. With around-the-clock review of conditions, we can provide a safer roadway for travelers, as well as conduct avalanche control during early morning, non-peak hours.
Communication efforts continue to improve in providing timely and accurate information. WSDOT has taken a proactive role to inform travelers of changing conditions, closures, and potential incidents by communicating before, during and after traffic impacts. A WSDOT communicator will work from Hyak during events to provide up to date, timely information.
Chemical snow and ice operations continue to improve and evolve. In an effort to keep chemical deicers on the roadway, provide longer lasting results, faster effects and reduce cost, WSDOT is pre-wetting solid chemical deicers.
The most significant modification in winter operations is the evolution of Active Resource Management (ARM). Additional duties are assigned to experienced Superintendents on a rotational basis to organize the use of equipment, work force, and materials across the region and other parts of the state to make every effort to keep Snoqualmie Pass open during storm events. |