Avalanche dangers close 3 mountain passes in Washington

Published 6:19 am Monday, February 22, 2021

Associated Press

Three major mountain passes in Washington state were closed overnight due to avalanche dangers after heavy rain fell on a large snowpack from recent storms, state transportation officials said.

Snoqualmie Pass along I-90, Stevens Pass on U.S. Route 2 and White Pass on U.S. Route 12 were closed Sunday at 6 p.m. and remained closed Monday morning.

It was unknown how long the pass would be closed. It was due to be re-assessed Monday morning, the state Department of Transportation said.

On I-90, traffic was stopped eastbound near North Bend, and westbound near Easton, Cle Elum and Ellensburg, officials said.