More snow makes Stevens Pass, I-90 dangerous again

Another winter storm is making mountain travel treacherous today.

Up to 2 feet of snow is forecast to fall in the Cascade Range by Wednesday and officials are warning people to expect delays crossing the mountain passes.

It was snowing at Stevens Pass this morning and traction tires are advised.

On I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass, state Department of Transportation crews were expected to shut down the state’s main east-to-west highway at times throughout the day to conduct avalanche control measures. The highway was closed for much of last week because of avalanche dangers and to remove heavy snowfall.

Today, crews may have to close Stevens Pass too, Washington State Patrol trooper Kirk Rudeen said.

Avalanche danger in the Cascades is very high and officials warned against attempting backcountry travel.

In the lowlands, temperatures in the mid-40s and rain are forecast into next week, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle.

Still, snow was falling just east of Gold Bar making for a long, slippery drive up U.S. 2 to the pass, Rudeen said.

“If you’re going to head over Highway 2, be prepared for extreme winter driving conditions,” Rudeen said.

People should check conditions before they leave home, carry tire chains and be prepared for delays, he said.