NEW — 10:14 a.m. Dec. 24, 2015
The relentless snowfall in the Cascades has thrown a monkey wrench into thousands of travelers’ holiday plans.
Scott Stoddard/sstoddard@isspress.com
A highway sign alerts drivers in Issaquah about the Snoqualmie Pass closure Dec. 24.
The state Department of Transportation closed Interstate 90 from North Bend to Ellensburg last night (Dec. 23) and plans to keep it closed today (Dec. 24). A statement from the department said it will re-evaluate roadway conditions this evening.
“I-90 will remain closed today from North Bend to Ellensburg due to heavy snowfall, trees leaning over the roadway and high avalanche danger on Snoqualmie Pass,” the statement said. “WSDOT crews worked throughout the night performing avalanche control work as well as clearing the roadway of snow, spinouts, and collisions. The roadway is expected to remain closed today and conditions will be evaluated this evening to determine when the pass can be reopened.”
Travelers hoping to head east for the holiday can travel U.S. 12 over White Pass, which was reported open as of 8:25 a.m. on Dec. 24. Stevens Pass on U.S. 2 was closed, but is now tentatively scheduled to reopen around 1 p.m. today, WSDOT said.
Before heading out, roadway conditions and mountain pass reports are available online at wsdot.com/traffic.