Snoqualmie Pass conditions improve after a.m. snow

Snow falling at Snoqualmie Pass on Interstate 90 this morning has been causing traffic problems, including temporary closure of the eastbound lanes. Traction tires were now being advised on all vehicles and the pavement was mostly wet or slushy. Early today, chains were required on all vehicles eastbound, except all-wheel drive vehicles, and on westbound trucks. A spinout near Denny Creek in the eastbound lanes had reportedly stopped traffic eastbound at 7:30 a.m. today. Traffic cameras showed a moderate accumulation of snow so far this morning on the travel lanes where snow and slush are reported on the roadway. The temperature this afternoon at the pass was 33. Forecasters were calling for accumulations of 6 to 8 inches of snow in the area today. A winter storm warning was in effect today for the mountain passes of the central Cascades, the National Weather Service said. Snow levels are expected to rise tonight to 3,500 feet, which is above the Snoqualmie Pass level of 3,022 feet. Snow levels should remain above the pass at about 4,000 feet on Friday.