Prepare for winter driving
Protect yourself and your passengers. Allow extra time to reach your destination during inclement weather. It takes only one unprepared or careless driver to slow or stop traffic.
Winter driving tips
- Drive for conditions: slower speeds, slower acceleration, leave extra space between vehicles, give yourself more time and space to stop
- Check to see if you have traction tires & chains
- Know what the traction and chain requirements mean
- Watch a video to learn how to install tire chains
- Do not use cruise control
- Four-wheel and all-wheel vehicles do not stop or steer better on ice
- Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. And remember, the larger the vehicle, the longer the stopping distance
- Slow down when approaching intersections, offramps, bridges, or shady spots
- If you find yourself behind a snowplow, slow down and give the plow a little extra room
- Slow down and be extra cautious near the chain-up and removal areas. There are often people out of their vehicles
What would cause a pass to close?
- Vehicle collisions / spin outs
Many pass closures are caused by vehicles that spin out, crash or slide off roadways - often because the vehicle wasn't properly equipped or was going too fast for conditions. Slow down, stay alert and leave extra space between vehicles during winter weather. - Avalanche Control
When possible, avalanche control work is scheduled at night when traffic volumes are low. WSDOT attempts to provide advance notice, but that's not always possible in emergency conditions. - Road clearing
If there is heavy snow in a short amount of time, road crews may close the pass to clear ice and snow from the travel lanes.
Snoqualmie Pass
- Curious about snowfall totals, or interested in how often Snoqualmie Pass is closed by collisions and avalanche control?
Statewide pass conditions
- Check statewide pass conditions online before heading out or planning trips