How to Track Highway and Pass Closures in Washington
Trucks, chains, and lots of red lights: Weather can force closures on I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass.
Image: Shutterstock by Trevor Wert
Closed passes, avalanche control—winter driving can be a crapshoot in our moody Cascades. Because any road can close at any time, we compiled all the Department of Transportation links and Twitter accounts you need to find out if Washington roads are open during bad weather.
I'm skiing at Stevens Pass!
Check out the conditions along US 2. Remember, traffic can be slow even before the accidents start. Twitter: @wsdot_passes
I just want to get to Eastern Washington on I-90.
See if there's snow on Snoqualmie Pass, our only freeway over the mountains. Twitter: @SnoqualmiePass
But will I need chains?
Yes! Maybe! Depends on what you drive! Understand the requirements with our guide to chains and AWD.
Let's try that famous North Cascades Highway!
Oh that pass is closed until spring, regardless of weather. Stalk the opening date and conditions on State Route 20's lower elevations.
Shoot, is anything open?
Check the status of all the mountain passes in the state at once. Twitter: @wsdot_passes
Can I visit a National Park?
Roads up to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park and Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park are usually only open during daylight hours, and chains are really required. They'll ask at the entrance gate. Twitter: @HRWinterAccess, @MountRainierNPS
Can I see the roads without actually leaving home?
There are weather cameras all around the state, offering real-time peeks at just how white (or backed-up) the roads are. Bonus: Oregon's excellent Tripcheck site has a map of closures and camera locations.
This is Highway 2 on a good day.
Just tell me, in words, what's going on.
View all of the DOT's travel alerts across Washington. Twitter: @wsdot
What's the weather going to do next?
You can check the weather for where you're headed before you start your journey.
But I need the avalanche danger, specifically.
NWAC, or the Northwest Avalanche Center, posts regular snow reports and avalanche forecasts for winter recreation. Twitter: @nwacus
What do I need to know how to do?
We found helpful tips to prepare for driving in snowy conditions. (Step one: Slow your roll, literally.)
Screw it, let's stick to the water.
Track ferries around the state, wait times, and delays. Twitter: @wsferries
