Snow slows travel, closes highways

Six inches of new snow on Cayuse Pass Tuesday morning forced the Transportation Department to put off plans to open the pass at noon.

With more snow and cold weather in the forecast, the department postponed the opening until it’s safe from avalanche danger. Crews hope to open the pass in time for the Memorial Day weekend.

Cayuse Pass is on Highway 123 in Mount Rainier National Park. Nearby Chinook Pass on Highway 410 also is closed.

Snow also hit Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass, and for a brief time Tuesday morning chains were required. Eastbound traffic was blocked for nearly six hours by a boulder that rolled into the roadway.

Spokane

Police seek tips on assault suspect

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for information that leads to the arrest of a fugitive wanted for child assault.

Joshua J. Nason, 32, also has a state Department of Corrections warrant for his arrest, Spokane police officials said.

Nason’s last known address is 1914 E. Desmet Ave. He has a local criminal history, most recently in January.

Anyone with information on Nason’s location is urged to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS or submit the tip online at www.crimestoppersinland northwest.org. Tipsters do not have to give a name to collect the reward but should give a code name or number.

From staff and wire reports