More snow expected for Cascades, mountain passes

Published 11:10 pm Saturday, November 7, 2009

More than a foot of snow has fallen over the Cascades and at the mountain passes since Friday, and forecasters on Saturday said more was to come.

The National Weather Service in Seattle issued a winter weather advisory on Saturday for the western slopes of the northern and central Cascades and the mountain passes.

The warning was expected to remain in effect until 4 this morning, said Johnny Berg, a meteorologist with the weather service.

He said elevations above 3,000 feet likely will see between 3 and 9 inches of fresh snow by this morning.

On Saturday evening, rain showers with light hail were expected in parts of Snohomish County as a storm moved northwest of Paine Field toward Arlington, Berg said. He predicted the showers will begin to taper off this morning, but the break in the weather likely won’t linger past the end of the day.

Avalanche danger on Saturday afternoon caused state transportation crews to close Highway 20, the North Cascades Highway, from milepost 132 at Diablo to milepost 171 west of Mazama, according to the state Department of Transportation Web site. That portion of the highway was expected to remain closed at least until noon Monday.

“We are taking it storm by storm to see when we can reopen the road,” transportation spokeswoman Michell Mouton said.

Crews have been monitoring state routes since Friday for water on the roadway and, in the mountains, snow and ice, she said.

Nasty weather didn’t seem to be causing drivers too many problems as of Saturday evening, Washington State Patrol trooper Keith Leary said. One driver got stuck in the snow not far from the Stevens Past summit on Saturday but made it out safely. The incident should, however, remind other drivers to be careful traveling to the mountains, he said.

Leary urged motorists to slow down in bad weather conditions and to check weather reports before heading to the mountains.

“We don’t want people to be caught off guard without making all the preparations,” Leary said. “Making sure vehicles are prepared for winter driving conditions is our number one concern.”

In Index, Jae Kim was glad gusty winds had died down as he worked in his Index General Store on Saturday. He could tell snow had fallen in the mountains and predicted winter would soon take hold in Index, too.

Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452, kyefimova@heraldnet.com.

Is your car ready for winter?

1. Replace your windshield wipers, as you should every six months in the Northwest climate

2. Check your tire pressure

3. Prepare a winter driving kit, including food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight and a small snow shovel

4. Check the level of your engine oil

5. Clean your battery terminals

6. Clean your windows and lights

7. Check your lights

8. Make sure your gas cap seals

9. Consider buying tire chains

10. Follow the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual in your vehicle

Source: AAA Washington