Weekend snow in Cascades could hinder travel along Snoqualmie Pass

YAKIMA – Snow forecast for this weekend in the Cascade Mountains – including Snoqualmie Pass on Interstate 90 – could affect driving and cause delays for the next several days.

“It’s the first storm event of the year and drivers need to remind themselves how to drive in winter weather,” said state Department of Transportation spokeswoman Summer Derrey.

Studded tires aren’t allowed until Nov. 1, but Derrey suggested drivers headed over the pass slow down, pack warm clothing, keep a full tank of gas and know what they’re getting into.

Snoqualmie Pass’ 3,022-foot elevation can see drastic changes in weather conditions, and Derrey said drivers should pay extra attention because the snow might catch a lot of them off-guard.

Additionally, crews are wrapping up construction in the pass, so lane closures between North Bend and Easton could cause minor traffic delays.

The National Weather Service predicted the Cascades would get about 4 to 6 inches of snow above 5,000 feet by Saturday, but only 2 to 3 inches were expected below 5,000 feet. A flash flood watch was in effect until 11 a.m. Sunday.

On the lower elevations of the eastern slopes, near the Norse Peak and Jolly Mountain fires, up to 3 inches of rain are expected.