Seattle, Washington – Travel across the Cascade Mountains in Washington and northern Idaho is becoming increasingly dangerous as a prolonged winter storm continues to dump heavy snow and bring strong winds through Thursday, severely impacting major mountain passes and surrounding communities.
According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the Washington Cascades, including Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass, White Pass, Mount Baker, Crystal Mountain, and Mount Rainier, through Thursday afternoon. Additional snowfall of 1 to 2 feet is expected, with wind gusts up to 35 mph capable of downing tree branches and creating blowing snow. Conditions could make travel very difficult to impossible, especially on Interstate 90, U.S. Highway 2, and State Route 410.
The National Weather Service in Spokane reports similar impacts across central Washington and into Idaho. Stevens Pass, Stehekin, and Holden Village could see up to 2 feet of additional snow, while wind gusts near 40 mph further reduce visibility. In Idaho’s central Panhandle Mountains, including Lookout Pass, Wallace, and Kellogg, 8 to 15 inches of snow has fallen at higher elevations, with hazardous conditions lingering into Wednesday morning.
Farther south, the northeast Blue Mountains of Washington are also under a Winter Storm Warning, where gusts up to 45 mph and heavy snow above 3,500 feet could affect early morning travel.
Officials urge drivers to postpone mountain travel if possible, prepare for sudden closures, and monitor WSDOT and Idaho 511 updates as warnings remain in effect through Thursday.
