Snoqualmie Pass drivers required to chain up, WSP troopers conducting checks
Drivers face tough travel conditions at WA passes
After snow accumulated for hours on the Snoqualmie Pass, Washington State Patrol was conducting chain checks near the summit.
SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. - With Snoqualmie Pass getting hit with a lot of snow this weekend, WSDOT says chains were being required Friday night for those driving over the pass without all-wheel drive.
The snow had been accumulating for hours before skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes for a rail jam Friday evening. While they had the time of their lives, it wasn’t so fun for drivers who didn’t have the proper traction requirements.
What we know:
Road conditions in the upper elevations were slippery, slushy and snow-covered Friday night.
"Once you get up to the actual pass it’s snowing a little bit and it's accumulated," said Jaime Magana.
Magana chained up his rig before making the trip back to Moses Lake from Tacoma.
"Took me about 30 minutes," said Magana.
Early Friday evening, a traffic backup formed on I-90 heading north. It took about an hour to travel just 11 miles to reach the summit, as people stopped to put chains on their vehicles.
Magana says he got trapped in the backup as well.
Washington State Patrol troopers were conducting chain checks along the route to the summit.
"They are just double-checking to make sure everybody’s following the law," said Magana.
Dominique said he also got stuck in the traffic backup.
"I did, I did - horrific," he said.
Dominique was heading to Yakima Friday night.
"I was over here for a doctor’s appointment and well, kind of came as a surprise," said Dominique. "Just a few miles back, conditions started to change pretty rapidly."
WSDOT says, "When traveling into higher elevations it is advised all drivers would have approved traction tires and carry chains during the winter."
Magana says he’s ready to help other motorists if he sees them struggling.
"We are all humans and that’s what we are here for you know, try to help each other out when we can," said Magana.
Dominique says he’ll be relying on his 4-wheel-drive and luck.
"I got my lucky hat," he said. "Hopefully it’s not burned up or used up yet."
The key is to know before you go. Check weather conditions and traction requirements before you head out to any of the passes this weekend.
The Source: Information in this story is from WSDOT and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.
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