Seattle, Washington – Snowfall has defined the winter season across Washington, with extraordinary totals piling up in the Cascade Mountains from late September through early February. While lowland cities have seen intermittent snow and rain, the mountains have experienced relentless accumulation, driving major travel and infrastructure impacts.
According to the National Weather Service and regional snow analysis data, parts of the Washington Cascades have recorded up to 40 feet of snow since Sept. 30. The deepest totals are concentrated in high-elevation zones along the west slopes, where frequent Pacific storms and sustained cold air have delivered near-constant snowfall.
Mount Baker, long known for extreme snow, sits near the top of the range this season, while Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass have also logged staggering totals. These conditions have led to repeated closures and restrictions along Interstate 90 and U.S. 2, with avalanche control operations frequently halting travel through the passes.
Farther south, areas near White Pass and Mount Rainier have also seen multi-story snowpack, supporting a strong winter recreation season but creating ongoing concerns for avalanche danger and spring runoff. Western Washington cities including Seattle, Everett, and Tacoma have seen far lower totals, though cold snaps have still produced brief lowland snow events.
WSDOT continues to urge drivers to check pass conditions before traveling, noting that mountain weather can change rapidly. With winter far from over, additional Pacific systems could continue to add to already historic seasonal snow totals in the Cascades, and more alerts may be issued as conditions evolve.
