Dozens Of Crashes, Lengthy Closure Over Snoqualmie Pass

SNOQUALMIE PASS, WA — Snoqualmie Pass was fully closed for more than six hours after dozens of crashes late Thursday night. The Washington State Department of Transportation said drivers unprepared for the wintry conditions, including a foot of fresh snow, quickly made the road unsafe for travel.

Since the closest tow trucks have to travel from North Bend or Ellensburg, WSDOT said clearing crashes off the road can take a while. Even though crews have a push truck for that purpose, the sheer number of vehicles involved made for a multi-hour effort.

"The vast majority of pass closures are due to crashes from drivers unprepared for winter conditions," WSDOT wrote Friday morning. "Please slow down, chain up when required, give each other room. It can take quite a while to clear crashes on passes so be ready for unexpected delays."

Crews were able to reopen the pass in both directions shortly before 5 a.m., with traction tires advised. The arrival of a warm front Friday morning shifted conditions to heavy rain, with 3 to 6 inches forecast by Friday evening. A few more inches of snow are on the way as temperatures dip again this weekend.

Related: WSDOT Prepares For Winter Travel Season