U.S. 2 is again treacherous at Stevens Pass this morning. Traffic in both directions was being shut down periodically as heavy snow continues to fall.
“Conditions are abysmal,” Washignton State Patrol trooper Kirk Rudeen said.
Several semi trucks have become stuck near the summit, a repeat of Thursday’s problems, which closed the highway for more than eight hours. Just after 9:30 a.m., westbound traffic was stopped and eastbound was just getting through. The traffic situation was changing almost minute-by-minute.
If possible, people should avoid traveling over the mountain passes today, Rudeen said.
State Transportation Department crews will try to clean up the mess to make the road passable. They hope to reopen the road later this morning, according to the transportation department Web site.
Rudeen is not so optimistic. Even with snow tires and chains, “No one’s getting any traction,” he said.
The state’s other main east-to-west highway, I-90, remains closed at Snoqualmie Pass. Officials said they will keep that highway closed through the day and reassess the pass tonight.
Heavy snow is forecast to continue falling over the Cascade Range today. A heavy snow warning is in effect until this afternoon.
About a foot of new snow is expected at the passes, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle.
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