Snoqualmie pass

Submitted by Spokenfortruth t3_zv5ly3 in Washington

Good afternoon.

We're new to the region and supposed to be going to Cle Elum from Vancouver with our kids tomorrow. The snoqualmie pass has been opening and closing with the freezing rain. Is it any better to take the long way around from the East? How dangerous is the snoqualmie pass with chains on? Thank you

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Nearly_Pointless t1_j1nadpy wrote

The weather and conditions are dynamic. Often the reason for closure is drivers attempting to cross with poor tires. There are too many variables to answer your question with any certainty.

Get the WA DOT app and keep an eye on current conditions.

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RainingNiners t1_j1nc8ps wrote

I'm assuming Vancouver, Washington? This time of year is dicey for weather and road conditions. I have AWD and haven't had to deal with chains for a long time. Really check Washington Dept of Transportation webpage for real time info for which way has best road conditions. https://wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/

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Ok-Comparison3618 t1_j1oc8cf wrote

This time of year I would completely avoid I-90/snoqualimie pass. I travel often up to Yakima from I-84, up 97 and then continue north to Cle Elum. Traffic is relatively light and passes are not very high. Take chains or studded snow tires for sure. If 84 gets closed, hwy 14 I usually open.

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Piddy3825 t1_j1ou0gf wrote

all things considered, our mountain passes are very well maintained by the powers that be. I've driven it many times in icy and snowy conditions, both with chains and studded tires and they do just fine under most conditions. That being said, when conditions are really bad, the DOT will close the pass.

here's the link to the Washington State Pass reports, you can get current conditions, even live camera pics of the route you might be driving.

https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/mountainpasses

good luck on your trip

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Spokenfortruth OP t1_j1oum83 wrote

Replying to Piddy3825 (#1,067,215)

They look really well maintained so I was a little weirded out by my husbands coworkers saying they're terrible. I've driven in Colorado blizzards before but I was younger and didn't have kids 🤣 thank you for your comment. I'll keep an eye on WSDOT.

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