Cascade passes get their first snowfall

Published 7:06 pm Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Better throw your snow chains in the trunk if you’re heading over the pass.

The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a winter storm warning for the mountains through 5 p.m. today. The forecast calls for up to a foot of snow through this morning, with heavier amounts possible between Stevens Pass and Snoqualmie Pass.

Snow began falling Monday morning at Stevens Pass, said Dennis D’Amico, a weather service meteorologist in Seattle. A cool system could bring even more snow to the mountains later this week, he said. Two more storms are heading toward the mountains.

It’s common for snow to start falling in the Cascade Range in October, D’Amico said.

The weather service is predicting a warmer, drier winter than last year, he said.

If your pining for ski season, you’ll have to wait at least a few more weeks. Stevens Pass doesn’t usually open until the first week of December — although that depends on Mother Nature.

If you plan to travel to Eastern Washington, check the weather forecast first and the road conditions at 511 or 800-695-ROAD.

Debra Smith: 425-339-3197, dsmith@heraldnet.com.