SKYKOMISH — Heavy snowfall made for a long Christmas Eve wait on one popular mountain pass while closing another one for the entire day.
U.S. 2 over Stevens Pass reopened around 1 p.m. It had been closed for hours in both directions for avalanche control. Chains were required on all vehicles except all-wheel drive.
Transportation officials say I- 90 eastbound will reopen at Snoqualmie Pass at 7 p.m. Thursday.
The roadway is closed for an 80-mile stretch from North Bend to Ellensburg due to heavy snow fall, trees leaning over the roadway and high avalanche danger. Officials haven’t said when the interstate will open for those heading west.
More than 25 inches of snow has fallen in the area over the past 24 hours.
Washington State Department of Transportation crews have worked throughout Wednesday night and Thursday on avalanche control work, as well as clearing the roadway of snow and crashes.
White Pass on U.S. 12 is open.
For updates, www.wsdot.wa.gov.
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