Snoqualmie Pass reopens, chains required westbound

Interstate 90 at Snoqualmie Pass has reopened after closures this morning in both directions, and conditions improved during the day. The Washington Department of Transportation has reimposed a requirement that vehicles, except those with all-wheel drive, be chained up headed westbound. Traction tires are required eastbound as of 4 p.m. In addition, oversized vehicles are prohibited westbound and must be chained up going east. Spin outs by vehicles on the pass were blamed for the closure between about 7 and 8:45 a.m. on the section from milepost 46 on the west side of the pass and milepost 57 on the eastern side. Snow was also on the roadway from milepost 33 on the west side to milepost 71 near the hill at Easton. Traffic cameras at 11 a.m. showed that pavement conditions had improved considerably since earlier this morning. The temperature at the top of the pass was 29 degrees at 4 p.m. Travelers on the road should call the 5-1-1 road condition line from a cell phone as they approach the pass.