Winter weather impacts travel on WA mountain passes
By Madeline Ottilie
Published on March 12, 2026.
Whiteout conditions and accumulation on the road led to rough driving conditions on the mountain passes in Washington state. Drivers driving up to Snoqualmie Pass reported significant delays, with some drivers spending over an hour to travel just a few miles. Standstills were caused by vehicle spin-outs and the high volume of commercial trucks stopping on the shoulders of I-90 to install chains. The Washington State Patrol is monitoring the pass and warned that high winds could exacerbate the situation. The public is urged to stay off the mountain peaks if their trips are not essential. Safety officials are urging motorists to inspect their vehicles before attempting to cross the pass, including checking tires and windshield wipers.
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