wsdot cross state travel routes

Cross-state travel in Washington 'almost completely impossible' as snow closes all Cascade passes

Snoqualmie pass (i-90), stevens pass (us-2), white pass (us-12) and blewett pass (us-97) all shut down on thursday morning due to heavy snow and extreme conditions..

Cross-state travel in Washington 'almost completely impossible' due to snow

Snoqualmie Pass (I-90), Stevens Pass (US-2), White Pass (US-12) and Blewett Pass (US-97) all shut down on Thursday morning due to heavy snow and extreme conditions. 

HYAK, Wash. -- Getting across the Cascades in Washington this week has progressed from difficult to nearly impossible as heavy snows and dangerous conditions have forced the closure of all primary east-west pass routes; a closure that may last into the weekend.

Snoqualmie Pass (I-90), Stevens Pass (US-2), White Pass (US-12) and Blewett Pass (US-97) all shut down on Thursday morning due to heavy snow and extreme conditions, making it too dangerous for crews to be in the mountain pass areas to clear snow.

Washington State DOT: Extreme weather in mountain passes too dangerous

Washington State Department of Transportation tweet that extreme weather has created conditions so hazardous they are forced to keep crews away from mountain pass areas.  

"The hazardous conditions include snow slides, trees falling, near-zero visibility," Washington State Department of Transportation officials said. In addition, avalanche danger was already high and expected to become even more dangerous as snow changes to rain and freezing rain over the next day or so.

In addition, a fail-safe backup that travels near sea level but requires a several-hour detour into Oregon through the Columbia River Gorge along I-84 was also closed for several hours Thursday due to mudslides. Westbound lanes reopened late Thursday afternoon but eastbound remained closed.

"This means cross-state travel is almost completely impossible," WSDOT officials said. 

GPS Navigation software like Google or Apple Maps showed some routes through remote forest roads, but the Washington State Patrol strongly warned those roads are extremely hazardous, not plowed, and with little-to-no cell service and dim prospects for rescue if you get stuck.  

MORE: Washington police urge caution against using Google, Apple Map detours onto remote forest roads

A plane ticket may be the only viable option to get across the mountains. 

What's worse, the passes are expected to remain closed until at least Friday, and likely into Saturday, severing critical shipping and travel routes for days.

WSDOT crews say even once the weather conditions improve, there will be a lot of work left including avalanche control, plowing roads and clearing fallen trees, clearing overhead freeway signs from snow and ice, and clearing drainage basins.

But crews stand ready to head back into the passes once conditions are safe to do so.

Most snow in 20 years along I-90/Snoqualmie Pass

Thursday marks the 5th consecutive day with heavy snows at Snoqualmie Pass along I-90. Each of the past four days have recorded at least a foot of snow at the pass. 

A driver clears snow from a car in Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Snoqualmie Pass had the highest snowfall in 20 years as of Jan. 3, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )

Workers clear snow with heavy machinery in Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Snoqualmie Pass had the highest snowfall in 20 years as of Jan. 3, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )

Snow obscures a stop sign in Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Snoqualmie Pass had the highest snowfall in 20 years as of Jan. 3, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )

Snow piled on top of on a sign for Interstate 90 near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Snoqualmie Pass had the highest snowfall in 20 years as of Jan. 3, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )

A driver digs out a car buried in snow in Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Snoqualmie Pass had the highest snowfall in 20 years as of Jan. 3, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )

A resident shovels snow in front of a home in Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Snoqualmie Pass had the highest snowfall in 20 years as of Jan. 3, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )

Interstate 90 after a snow storm near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Snoqualmie Pass had the highest snowfall in 20 years as of Jan. 3, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )

Snow covered trees near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Snoqualmie Pass had the highest snowfall in 20 years as of Jan. 3, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )

A car covered in snow in Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Snoqualmie Pass had the highest snowfall in 20 years as of Jan. 3, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )

Traffic on Interstate 90 after a snow storm near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Snoqualmie Pass had the highest snowfall in 20 years as of Jan. 3, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )

Trucks parked along an entrance to Interstate 90 after a snow storm near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Snoqualmie Pass had the highest snowfall in 20 years as of Jan. 3, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )

A driver installs tire chains along Interstate 90 after a snow storm near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Snoqualmie Pass had the highest snowfall in 20 years as of Jan. 3, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )

Truck drivers install tire chains along Interstate 90 after a snow storm near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Snoqualmie Pass had the highest snowfall in 20 years as of Jan. 3, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )

Trucks on Interstate 90 after a snow storm near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Snoqualmie Pass had the highest snowfall in 20 years as of Jan. 3, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )

A snow plow on Interstate 90 near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Snoqualmie Pass had the highest snowfall in 20 years as of Jan. 3, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )

A truck driver installs tire chains on a Walmart truck along Interstate 90 after a snow storm near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Snoqualmie Pass had the highest snowfall in 20 years as of Jan. 3, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )

A sign alerts travelers on Interstate 90 that tire chains are required after a snow storm near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Snoqualmie Pass had the highest snowfall in 20 years as of Jan. 3, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )

Trucks enter Interstate 90 after a snow storm near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Snoqualmie Pass had the highest snowfall in 20 years as of Jan. 3, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )

A snow covered Chevron gas station in Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Snoqualmie Pass had the highest snowfall in 20 years as of Jan. 3, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )

Snow covers a motorhome in Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Snoqualmie Pass had the highest snowfall in 20 years as of Jan. 3, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images ( )

PHOTOS: Snow piles up at levels not seen in decades at Washington's Snoqualmie Pass

Their seasonal total of 274 inches so far is the most recorded by this date in the past 20 years, the WSDOT said.

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WSDOT travel charts are one way to ensure a merry and bright holiday weekend | WSDOT

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WSDOT travel charts are one way to ensure a merry holiday weekend

People who are traveling the weekend leading up to Christmas day should make preparations as early as possible.

“Whether traveling by bicycle, foot, ferry, train, vehicle or a ruby red sleigh with jingle bells, the Washington State Department of Transportation has prepared holiday travel charts for people to consult prior to heading out,” WSDOT stated in a release. “Congestion is predicted based on annual travel volumes for major routes like Interstate 5, I-90 and US 2.”

For travel charts, visit wsdot.wa.gov/travel/holiday-weekend-travel/christmas-weekend-travel-times.

Most construction will be paused over the three-day weekend to help reduce congestion, the release added. WSDOT recommends people travel early or late, if possible, and give themselves plenty of extra time. Crashes or emergency road repairs also can add to travel times in addition to inclement weather like snow or ice. WSDOT suggests people carry chains and other winter driving essentials and “know before you go.”

WSDOT has many tools and resources to help plan travel this holiday season:

Get informed about WSDOT’s online tools , including the WSDOT mobile app, traffic cameras and email alerts.

Visit online traveler information for traffic, weather, ferry schedules and a real-time travel map, wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/.

Follow WSDOT on various social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and X (formerly known as Twitter).

People should identify potential safety rest areas before heading out to ensure enough breaks to avoid drowsy driving.

Pre-program vehicle radios to 530 AM and 1610 AM for highway advisory radio updates – and be alert for other stations listed on notice signs in some areas.

Leave extra time for holiday and winter travel, slow down and leave extra space between vehicles when driving on snow or ice.

Cross-mountain travel

“Weather conditions over mountain passes can change rapidly so it’s important for travelers to plan ahead and follow posted chain requirements,” WSDOT states. “It’s often drivers who travel too fast, without traction tires or chains or under the influence that close a mountain pass for everyone. Practice installing chains before heading out the door — and not for the first time along the side of the highway during a winter storm.”

Receive text message alerts about closures and delays by texting “Start” to 85107. To unsubscribe text “Stop.”

In the Puget Sound region, weekend toll rates will be in effect Monday, Dec. 25, on the state Route 520 bridge and the state Route 99 tunnel. The I-405 express toll lanes will be free and open to all drivers on Christmas, the release stated. Out-of-town travelers, including those using rental cars, can learn about toll roads and temporary account payment options on the Good To Go! visitors page.

Ferry travel

People boarding a state ferry by vehicle should prepare for long waits. Peak travel times on most routes are expected to be Wednesday through Sunday, Dec. 20-24, especially westbound (or onto an island), and Tuesday through Saturday, Dec. 26-30, mainly eastbound (or off an island). Customers can bypass vehicle lines by traveling as a walk-on passenger, the release adds.

Visit the Washington State Ferries website for more details on sailings schedules, vehicle reservations, ferry alerts and terminal conditions: wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries.

Trains, airports and transit

Travelers making a trip by train, personal aircraft or bus also should plan ahead to avoid holiday delays:

Amtrak Cascades passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets early and plan to arrive at the station one hour before departure. There are now 12 daily trains running between Seattle and Portland. Trains operate between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Eugene, Oregon, stopping at 18 stations along the way. Buses also are available for travel between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia and between Seattle and Bellingham. Visit AmtrakCascades.com/ or call 800-USA-RAIL for tickets and schedules.

For information about traveling via state-sponsored airports, visit wsdot.wa.gov/travel/aviation/airports-list or call 360-788-7437.

Check with local public transit agencies for any holiday schedule or service changes, including some Dial-A-Ride and fixed-route service that may not run on holidays.

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