SPOKANE, Wash. – Early-season mountain snow is making travel hazardous along key Northwest passes overnight into Monday morning, with a Winter Weather Advisory remaining in effect for the Central Idaho Panhandle Mountains and Western Chelan County. Travelers should be prepared for slick, snow-covered roads and reduced visibility through daybreak.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, up to 5 inches of snow is expected at Lookout Pass on I-90, while Stevens Pass and Holden Village could see another 1 to 2 inches above 3,500 feet before conditions improve. Snow began Sunday evening and will taper by late morning Monday as the disturbance shifts east.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) advise motorists to slow down, allow extra time for travel, and carry chains when crossing mountain routes. Icy conditions are possible on U.S. 2, SR-97, and I-90, especially near higher elevations where temperatures remain below freezing.
Drivers should also expect slush and wet snow accumulation on shaded curves and bridges during the morning commute. Clearing skies will follow this system, with a cool but mainly dry pattern settling in for midweek.
Another round of light snow may return to the Cascades and northern Idaho mountains later in the week, signaling a wintry start to November.
