Seattle to Spokane driving conditions mid to late November?

Submitted by darren1417 t3_yeh2cf in Washington

My brother and I are considering driving down from Victoria BC to go to Spokane for the Gonzaga vs Kentucky game. We were wondering what the drive is like that time of year when it comes to winter conditions. I'm assuming the Snoqualmie or Stevens Passes are the two trouble spots? other than that would there be any issues? We would be taking a Mazda 3 with MS tires and I do have chains for 2 wheels.

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pallesaides t1_ity15sl wrote

if you want to make sure there is no issues, I'd suggest taking 90, it's the least likely to have issues, but realistically until a few days prior to the trip you won't really know what is up.

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Walter-MarkItZero t1_ity1ptn wrote

Definitely take Snoqualmie. Odds are it will be fine but even if the pass is temporarily closed, it’s usually less than half a day.

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kugelvater t1_ity19n0 wrote

In November it could be fine, could be good except for the pass, could be ice and snow. Most likely just fine with snow only at higher elevation through the pass but 🤷‍♂️

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Zhenja92 t1_ity7hef wrote

Yes. The passes will be your problem. Definitely do Snoqualmie and not Stevens pass. Ellensburg (East of Snoqualmie Pass) to Spokane is rarely a problem. Late November is you should be ok but keep an eye on the weather as the passes can close or require chains (last January we had a multi-day closure of all three passes and the roads up the Columbia Gorge - leaving no way to get over the mountains.)

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DangerousMusic14 t1_ityfqo0 wrote

Adding to this, be prepared for winter driving conditions. You will need suitable tires and chains or AWD. Without chains or AWD and a good set of tires, you risk state patrol may turning you away if it snows.

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elevatedtv t1_itzfnr0 wrote

The WSDOT app has links to cameras at the major passes and frequent updates on road conditions, I don’t travel w/o checking it in the winter. Re conditions, hard to know until a few days beforehand.

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Western_Entertainer7 t1_itzquoe wrote

Cant say. The passes can be very bad. It depends on the snowfall.

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RiverCity60 t1_itz7ee8 wrote

I work at Gonzaga, love to have visitors to the campus. Go Zags!!

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darren1417 OP t1_iu0c4bh wrote

Any tips to get tickets in Friday 🤣 it will be my second time to campus, my brother's wife is alum and it will be his first time. We love our Zags! So much I'm doing my bachelor party for WCC tournament this year

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RiverCity60 t1_iu1ivbq wrote

I wish I had some sage advice to help you with tickets but alas, they are the golden ticket. Even as employees, have to wait for them and they are limited. You will need to come early!and get

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darren1417 OP t1_iu1j04l wrote

Oh wow! Gonna have 4 people trying right at 10am

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RiverCity60 t1_iu27kbb wrote

When they get to the finals, and they usually do, we have students in tents camping overnight to get tickets

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