Forecasters warn of "extremely high" avalanche risks as heavy snow continues to slam the central Cascade Mountain Passes Tuesday morning (February 23), according to KOMO.
Early Monday (February 22), all three mountain passes were reportedly shut down due to these risks. While Stevens Pass and Snoqualmie Pass reopened later in the day, Stevens was closed again later that evening after another snow slide covered part of U.S. 2, according to Washington State Department of Transportation. Reporters said Stevens Pass remains closed Tuesday morning while Snoqualmie is still open but "very snowy."
It's been years since experts forecasted extreme avalanche danger like this, according to the Northwest Avalanche Center (NAC). Current weather conditions, such as warming temperatures and heavy rain, make avalanches more likely and destructive.
“We aren’t getting a big break at least anytime soon,” Dallas Glass said, the deputy director at NAC. “We’re seeing warming temperatures, strong winds, very heavy precipitation and bringing heavy snow and rain to our mountain areas and that’s naturally tipping the balance for this snow pack driving these very and extremely dangerous avalanche conditions.”
Ernesto Berber, a truck driver, told KOMO it took him a few hours longer than his usual time to get from Wenatchee to Stevens Pass before its closure. He and first responders warned people not to drive out in these conditions if they don't need to.
“It’s so hard, so dangerous for tonight," Berber said. "Please don’t come."
Photo: Getty Images