“Extreme avalanche danger” closes Snoqualmie Pass until further notice

Snoqualmie Pass has been closed until further notice due to avalanche danger on Monday morning. 

Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass in Washington were closed on Monday morning, February 28th. Stevens Pass was reopened by 11 a.m. but there is still no estimated time of reopening for Snoqualmie. 

Preventative avalanche control work was conducted on Sunday afternoon, February 27th, but according to KIRO 7 News, heavy rain and snow paired with rising temperatures and strong winds in the area have continued to create dangerous conditions, causing officials ro stop traffic on Interstate 90 westbound near Ellensburg and eastbound at North Bend. 

The Northwest Avalanche Center reports that there will be a high danger on the west slopes of the Washington Cascades from the Canadian border to the Columbia River, including Stevens, Snoqualmie and White Passes; as well as on the east slopes of the Cascades from the Canadian border down to and including the I-90 corridor. The organization has issued an avalanche warning that will remain in effect until Sunday at 6 p.m.