Research Partners
Clear Roads - Clear Roads is an ongoing pooled fund research project aimed at rigorous testing of winter maintenance materials, equipment and methods for use by highway maintenance crews.
Pacific Northwest Snowfighters - The group's mission is to provide specifications for the highest quality products balancing quality of environment with providing the safest possible transportation system and maximum mobility for the traveling public during snow and ice conditions, within reasonable budgetary, product performance and environmental constraints.
Mountain Pass Highways
See the most recent Snoqualmie Pass Snowfall and Closure Data.
Historical opening and closing dates for North Cascades, Cayuse and Chinook Pass.
Keeping Snoqualmie Pass Open: WSDOT and the Washington State Patrol hosted a public meeting on November 14, 2006 to discuss winter operation methods, challenges, and and our innovative approach.
Publications
Map of DOT salt price comparison and five year average use. (pdf 477kb)
Snow and Ice Plan: The Snow and Ice Plan provides WSDOT maintenance crews the guidance and direction to assist in safe, efficient and consistent operations.
Winter of 2007-2008: The Snow and Ice Challenge (pdf 428kb)
The 2007-08 winter turned out to be anything but typical.
Multiple snow storms over many parts of the state combined
to make this winter one of the most challenging winters in
recent history.
December 2007 Storms: WSDOT Fights Rain, Wind and Snow (pdf 1mb)
While 2006-07 winter hit early, hard and often, winter 2007-08 waited until December to make its full presence known. Heavy snows, followed by hurricane force winds and torrential rain devastated several western Washington communities.
Winter Summary October 2006-April 2007: Storms Take a Toll (pdf 1mb)
Many of us will remember the winter of 2006-2007 for the frequency and variety of hard-hitting weather events that occurred.
Snow and Ice Program (pdf 394kb)
The Snow and Ice Program is WSDOT’s strategy to maintain the state highways for safe winter driving. This plan aids in the prevention of snow and ice buildup on the roadway and provides for the removal of snow and ice from the roadway when inclement weather arrives.
A Season of Innovation (2005-2006) (pdf 369kb)
A summary of the 2006 winter season and the challenges it presented.