Date:
Friday, April 18, 2008
Contact:
WSDOT Communications:
Mike Westbay (509) 728-4712, (Yakima)
Travis Phelps (206) 440-4472, (Seattle)
Jeff Adamson (509) 669-8778, (Wenatchee)
Sylvia Ross (360) 852-2537, (Vancouver)
Alice Fiman (360) 789-4035 (Olympia)
Weather forecasters are still predicting heavy snowfall in the mountain passes this weekend, which could make driving a challenge. The latest forecast calls for up to a foot of snow to fall on Snoqualmie Pass by Saturday night.
Lowland drivers could also see snow and freezing temperatures through the weekend.
“It’s April, but winter just isn’t letting go,” said Snoqualmie Pass Maintenance Superintendent Al Minerich. “Drivers heading over the passes this weekend should allow more time to get to their destinations and prepare for winter driving conditions.”
WSDOT Avalanche Forecasters will continue to monitor the storm, and if necessary conduct avalanche control work.
“If more than six inches of snow accumulates above the passes or if there is a sudden rise in temperature, avalanche control work will be needed and that will delay traffic,” said WSDOT Avalanche Forecaster Lee Redden.
US 2 Stevens Pass and US 12 White Pass
The forecast for Stevens (US 2) and White Pass (US 12) isn’t promising either. Crews expect up to six inches of snowfall by Saturday morning.
Puget Sound lowlands
Although the forecast isn't predicting a major snow event in the greater Puget Sound area, crews will be monitoring the conditions, and will be ready to spring into action if needed.
"Our Puget Sound crews are still in winter mode," said Maintenance and Operations Manager Pat Moylan. "We've been watching the forecast, and we have crews ready to take on this latest cold snap."
While crews aren't expecting a large amount of snow to accumulate, drivers can expect snow on highways in the higher elevations such as SR 18, US 2 and SR 522.
Southwest Washington
A snow advisory has been issued for the Northern Oregon and South Washington Cascades. Cold air moving into the region is expected to bring a wintry mix of conditions including snow, hail, rain. While crews are not anticipating significant snow and ice accumulation in lower elevations.
Know Before You Go
WSDOT officials do advise drivers to carry tire chains and monitor weather forecasts as well as the WSDOT Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov. For those driving over the mountains, before leaving home, find out about the driving conditions and prepare your vehicle. Safe drivers know the weather, and they know their limits. Remember, ice and snow, take it slow, or just don't go.
More winter driving tips are available at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter.
To find out the latest information about mountain pass conditions before you go, call 511 or visit our Web site: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/
While traveling, tune your radio to AM 1610 or AM 530 for the latest traffic updates.
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