— Both directions of State Route 18 will be closed to all traffic for more than five days under the Interstate 90 bridges near Snoqualmie later this month traffic will not be allowed on either direction of SR 18 beneath the I-90 bridges Crews will build the southern end of a new diverging diamond interchange Travelers should use other routes and plan for longer travel times during the closure The Washington State Department of Transportation chose the dates to avoid busy travel weekends for Mother’s Day on May 11 and Memorial Day on May 26 the work may be rescheduled as it requires dry conditions Traffic in both directions of I-90 will not be affected during the closure Traffic on the eastbound I-90 off-ramp will only be able to turn south onto westbound SR 18 No left turns onto eastbound SR 18/Snoqualmie Parkway will be allowed Traffic on the westbound I-90 off-ramp will only be able to turn north onto Snoqualmie Parkway or continue on to the westbound I-90 on-ramp No left turns onto westbound SR 18 will be allowed Eastbound SR 18 traffic must use the eastbound I-90 on-ramp and follow a detour Southbound traffic on Snoqualmie Parkway must use the westbound I-90 on-ramp and follow a detour "People can detour around the closure using eastbound and westbound I-90 and loop around at the Preston-Fall City (exit 22) and Southeast North Bend Way (exit 27) interchanges "Westbound I-90 freight traffic should use either the Preston-Fall City exit to loop back and take westbound SR 18 or continue on westbound I-90 to southbound I-405 Freight traffic should not use Issaquah city streets or Issaquah-Hobart Road eastbound SR 18 freight traffic cannot use Issaquah city streets to access I-90," WSDOT said in a news release State Route 18 and Interstate 90 interchange near Snoqualmie With Memorial Day over a month away, now is a good time… Continue reading © 2025, Kent Reporter + Sound Publishing, Inc. + Black Press Media Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email Living Snoqualmie features news and happenings in the Snoqualmie Valley including Snoqualmie Is this some kind of dementia that cannot go away Surely there are other things to focus on It keeps getting voted down yet leadership feels otherwise Emery Rail Heritage Trust has awarded a $7,500 grant to the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie in… Help care for the planet this week with Earth and Arbor day events in the Valley that means it’s snowing in the mountains.” The truism turned Pacific Northwest mantra provided me comfort as a Seattleite during the long winter months I’d know that while the city streets were slick That mantra got me through another round of Seattle’s worst this past Friday as sheets of rain cascaded from above.With wavering freezing levels I wasn’t sure what the storm had brought to the mountains I assumed a minor cataclysm would strike Snoqualmie Pass the following morning as the winter storm warning came into effect.Spun-out cars prolonged lift lines — these are all signs of the Seattle powder frenzy I realized I may have gotten too excited about waking up early where the higher elevation slopes would have almost certainly been skiing better (I later learned that they were skiing better — Alpental’s snow looked heroic) Those elusive powder turns would probably have to wait until next weekend I decided with resignation.But you know who didn’t seem all that bummed “This is a powder day,” he kept saying The lesson is this — pick a ski buddy who won’t let you be a sore loser Mike scores some turns during one of our many Silver Fir laps We traversed back and forth across the Summit skiing manky moguls on Silver Fir and inconsistent snow below the new Wildside chairlift before stopping by the Summit West’s base lodge for lunch A tallboy apiece set the mood for more turns as we headed out again While neither of us are true Summit locals we decided this chairlift provided access to the steepest and most interesting terrain it seemed the crowds had come to a similar conclusion we spied an enormous line and an obvious solution — another break for beer.Emerging from the Silver Fir Lodge Our skis had almost been buried in a rapidly accumulating white blanket While the intensifying storm couldn’t eliminate Silver Fir’s impressive mogul arsenal with each lap — along the edges of trails — the uncut snow was getting better and better working into a satisfying rhythm amidst the moguls Mike and I decided we were having a grand time.Then While the arrival of snow late in the day made our last runs better eliminating the possibility of a speedy trip back home and reviving the travel mishaps I’d foreseen earlier that morning Seattle area skiers handle wet snow with aplomb — the same can’t be said when these skiers get behind the wheel of a car and face slick roadways The Red Snake doesn't just live in Salt Lake City Before we’d even left the parking lot waiting until some maverick behind the wheel of a silver-ish two-wheel drive car decided that patience is for cowards The silver demon ripped around the tour buses but instead encountered an impressive line of bumper-to-bumper traffic The drive from Snoqualmie Pass back to Seattle — normally a quick jaunt — ultimately took two or more hours.  Oddly enough The tricky bits of a ski day — namely sitting in a car or lift line for longer than you would like to — are usually signs that it snowed a lot if you’re riding at a major resort in this day and age quickly finding parking and avoiding traffic the snow was horrendous after being cooked during the high pressure system While I know I’ll eventually grow tired of the crowds and tour bus barricades Powder and all the craziness it inspires is back — try not to lose your head if you can From ski resort news to profiles of the world’s best skiers After a 10-month closure and a complete replacement of a 100-year-old timber trestle the Ames Lake Bridge in the Snoqualmie Valley will reopen Friday which is on Ames Lake-Carnation Road Northeast just south of its intersection with West Snoqualmie Valley Road restores an important east-west route in the Snoqualmie Valley one of the few roads in the area that will likely remain open during a flood according to information from King County’s Road Services Division The new structure does away with weight restrictions allowing unrestricted access for all vehicles. A sharp curve in the road near the bridge has been remedied with a wider road and better sight lines The new bridge is also better for Ames Creek Toxic creosote-treated timber piles were removed from the surrounding wetlands and workers with Granite Construction — the project’s contractor — restored the natural channel of Ames Creek director of the county’s Road Services Division called the road “a critical commuter and community route.” “We know the closure caused real inconvenience and we appreciate the community’s patience,” Davis said in a statement The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times Stay secure and make sure you have the best reading experience possible by upgrading your browser The daily festivities May 4-10 are organized by the SnoValley Chamber of Commerce Chickadee Bakeshop is holding a fundraiser to aid with reopening costs Monday (May 5) for more than 3,200 seats on city councils Both directions of traffic will be closed around the clock until May 21 No fish or people were harmed in the April 22 fire This website is unavailable in your location It appears you are attempting to access this website from a country outside of the United States therefore access cannot be granted at this time Sure seems like a high rate of ethics and conduct related incidents for this small dept I call BS on the city not being transparent After 57 winters chugging up Denny Mountain Alpental’s Chair 2 will take its final spin this weekend before ascending to chairlift heaven and making way for a more modern replacement once a global manufacturing leader for the ski industry That’s as high as you can get with mechanized help at Snoqualmie Pass the view offers a panorama of peaks that stretches from Mount Rainier to the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness But for the Seattle area’s rabid skiers and snowboarders, what’s most enticing are the copious amounts of snow that pile up beneath the love seat. This season alone, which was slightly below average, the top of Alpental recorded 477 inches of snowfall but this year the hill will close early so that construction can get underway on the new Chair 2 the next Edelweiss Chair will bring more people up the mountain and thus alleviate lift lines According to Summit general manager Guy Lawrence the resort did not opt for a bigger capacity chair so as not to overcrowd the postage stamp-sized patch of flat ground at the top As for not installing a detachable high-speed lift the new chair’s slower fixed-grip mechanics are quicker to de-ice from the frozen precipitation that frequently accumulates on the lift’s haul rope Experts-only Chair 2 accesses the most challenging lift-serviced terrain in Snoqualmie Pass, which has made the chair a cult favorite among steep skiers and riders from near and far. Whether you head straight for Upper Internationale, the large bowl that drops away from Chair 2 toward the new Internationale chair or ride back toward the bottom of Edelweiss everyone has their own strategy for milking the most out of a powder session at Alpental The most daring drop the cliffs under Chair 2 with a captive audience cheering them on — just make sure to stick the landing The advent of a three-seat replacement may also alter the dynamic of Chair 2 culture. Most skiers and riders are paired up as they shuffle through the lift line, but the occasional lone ranger knows better than to board the chair solo. Leaving an empty seat — especially on a busy day — is an etiquette breach sure to generate a few boos but rather a yelled pronouncement by someone who is edging to the front of the line and needs a partner for the ride up another person stuck at the back of the line has a reason to beeline for the front — the skiing equivalent of a choice dice roll in the board game Chutes and Ladders Will duos call out “Single!” to find a third once Chair 2 opens next winter three’s a crowd obviously wasn’t at Alpental on a powder day Want to play in the snow at Snoqualmie Pass this winter In an effort to manage overcrowding for the benefit of customers and account for visitors who are not ski area patrons, The Summit at Snoqualmie announced a new parking system this week Parking will remain free for all season pass holders and visitors who buy multiday ticket packages Single-day ticket holders and Ikon pass holders must pay $5 per vehicle per day Those who purchase the Summit’s uphill travel pass ($50 per season) which is intended for ski touring on marked runs will be restricted on peak days to three specific lots All other visitors who park in the Summit’s lots will be charged $55 per vehicle per day Parking codes will be distributed to pass holders and multiday ticket buyers via email and must be inputted into Summit’s parking management website to be redeemed for permits The digital permit system will launch in November Summit’s daily rate for customers without passes or tickets is likely the highest of any ski area in North America charge their lift ticket and season pass holders more for daily parking than Summit does.) “Snoqualmie Pass has grown up a lot in the last five to six years and it’s been pretty wild sometimes if conditions are good or it’s a powder day,” said Summit’s general manager Guy Lawrence via phone from Alpental That starts with managing our parking lots.” Unmanaged parking and limited enforcement of existing parking regulations has created traffic jams at interstate on- and offramps headaches for skiers boxed in at the end of the day and frustration for Snoqualmie Pass residents whose driveways are blocked by illegal parking upward of 500 vehicles using the Summit’s lots are not ski area customers These visitors consist of a mix of snow tourists whose primary goal is to throw snowballs and take photos snowshoers and backcountry skiers heading out via winter trailheads to recreate in the national forest and groups of instructors and students on avalanche education courses These visitors create a “knock-on effect” by partially filling lots early in the morning leading to parking choke points throughout the day “We have an extraordinary amount of people who have no intention of going to the ski area,” he said “They are the difference between being parked out versus having space available most of the day.” Lawrence said freeing up more space for the Summit’s paying customers is the policy’s main goal noting that families buy weekend ski school lessons months in advance but can struggle to find parking on lesson days He also cited the high cost of snow removal from expensive equipment — the Summit’s four snow plows run about $250,000 each and typically survive seven Cascades winters — to rising labor and fuel costs The Summit’s parking change is increasingly common in the ski industry. In the 2021-22 season, Crystal Mountain became the first ski area in Washington to charge for parking with $20-$30 weekend and holiday rates The ski resort simultaneously launched free coach bus service from Enumclaw Summit does not currently have plans to provide any bus transportation from the lowlands as part of its new parking system Other popular ski resorts near population centers that charge daily for at least some parking spots include Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia (CA$10-$28) Alta Ski Area ($25) and Park City Mountain Resort ($27-$47) in Utah $25 per season) are required to park at Mt Hood Meadows and Timberline outside of Portland Summit’s new plan is unique in its high daily rate for non-ski area users and its daily applicability Many ski areas distinguish between peak and nonpeak days charging less or nothing at all for nonholiday weekdays Lawrence said the Summit decided to err on the side of consistency with a flat rate in effect every day we think it’s better to be consistent and put our best forward on that front so there’s no misunderstanding,” he said Recreation groups greeted the announcement with dismay “We are disappointed to see this parking plan,” said Tess Wendel a board member of the Cascade Backcountry Alliance an advocacy group for backcountry skiers and snowshoers “It feels like we have a situation where access is pay-to-play That’s a real equity problem creating a high financial threshold for new winter users.” The Summit at Snoqualmie operates predominantly on national forest land under a special use permit Several of the most popular — and reliable in terms of snow — winter trailheads can only be accessed by Summit parking lots including the Alpental Valley and Commonwealth Basin areas that lead into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness A spokesperson for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest did not respond to a request for comment by press time “There’s a lot of public land up there and this is a big reduction in access,” said Wendel Lawrence disputed the notion that the Summit’s parking plan reduces access to public lands. “Absolutely not,” he said, justifying the $55 daily fee as appropriate for a privately run business to charge, versus public agencies that charge less, like the Washington Sno-Park ($25 per day $30 per year) or national parks pass ($30 per day $80 per year including all federal public lands) Lawrence said that Summit’s plan is a work in progress that’s subject to change “We are going to assess and we’ll take feedback seriously,” he said hopes the new parking plan will be the catalyst for a long overdue conversation at Snoqualmie Pass The state’s busiest winter recreation area is also split into several jurisdictions that don’t always coordinate closely: unincorporated parts of King and Kittitas counties the Summit and the Washington State Department of Transportation overseeing I-90 “We’re hoping this will spur the Forest Service into having a little more urgency for winter recreation management planning,” said Wendel For example, she pointed to a long-simmering proposal for a nonmotorized Sno-Park at the Snoqualmie Pass Pacific Crest North trailhead. Also known as the Kendall Katwalk trailhead this Forest Service parking lot sits covered in snow all winter long in the heart of Snoqualmie Pass and at the entrance to coveted backcountry skiing and snowshoeing terrain Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest representatives did not respond to multiple requests for comment by press time “We’re trying to think bigger picture about access as a whole,” Wendel said announced it would begin charging for parking daily Season passholders won't be charged for parking at the Summit this coming season Photo: Shutterstock/Zhiyuli Anyone who’s purchased a Summit Season Pass will receive a code to register their vehicles for free ahead of the coming season Parking is also included with the purchase of a Flex Ticket Pack Standard lift ticket purchasers and Ikon Passholders will be charged $5 Those outside the main groups must pay $55 per day.First-time parking violations will cost $55 Parking for The Summit at Snoqualmie's Summit East ski area lies just off I-90 Uphill Passes cost $45 for non-season pass holders and are valid for the entire season this parking is limited to three lots—A7 Peak dates are Saturdays and Sundays from January 4th through March 2nd Parking permits will be required between 7 am and 2 pm from November 18th to April 30th The 2 pm cut-off means that night skiers—whether or not they’re pass holders—won’t need to worry about the parking permits Parking alongside State Route 906 isn’t a permit area nor are any lots not managed by the Summit. “More tourists and general winter recreation visitors are utilizing our parking lots each year,” the Summit wrote on Instagram “While we love that more people are getting to enjoy the outdoors the additional vehicles make it increasingly challenging for our guests to park and get to the slopes.As is tradition with anything involving parking at ski areas the response to the Summit’s plan was mixed More than a few skiers jumped in to express their support of the program while others worried that the $55 a day charge would make wintertime backcountry use in the Snoqualmie Pass area financially untenable Seattle-area backcountry skiers frequently use the Summit’s lots as a launching point for trips into zones outside the resort’s bounds The Summit at Snoqualmie is actually four ski areas in one: Alpental The paid parking program will be instituted at each of the four ski areas Photo: The Summit at Snoqualmie/Ikon Pass Media Assets the Summit called this parking program a “first step” and explained that it plans to fine-tune it based on parking data and feedback Submit your best clips for a chance to be featured on POWDER. Tune in and watch handpicked, high-quality ski videos streaming all day long on POWDER TV, and subscribe to our YouTube channel MYNORTHWEST NEWS 9:37 AM | Updated: 3:41 pm Head shot of former Snoqualmie Police Chief Brian Lynch (Photo courtesy of the City of Snoqualmie) (Photo courtesy of the City of Snoqualmie) BY LUKE DUECY The City of Snoqualmie has terminated Police Chief Brian Lynch following the conclusion of an external investigation that, according to the city, found sustained violations of personnel policies and the Snoqualmie Police Department’s standards of conduct Lynch had been placed on administrative leave since Feb 6 to address the allegations and allow for the investigation to proceed “We are committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment for all,” Mayor Katherine Ross said “Captain Gary Horejsi has been appointed interim chief while the city begins the formal process of selecting a permanent replacement Our focus remains on serving the community with integrity and respect during this transition.” A statement released by the city did not provide specific details found in the investigation or that led up to the decision to terminate The city said it cannot release additional details citing the confidential nature of personnel matters — The wait is finally over for lovers of snow sports The Summit at Snoqualmie has announced its opening day Those looking to purchase single lift tickets will need to wait until Wednesday to hit the slopes The upcoming opening is not a second too soon "We're running about 11 days later than normal as far as our opening goes everyone's been eagerly awaiting this season We want to get everyone out on the slopes as soon as possible," said The Summit at Snoqualmie Marketing Manager ALSO SEE | Washington snowpack: 59% chance La Nina conditions develop by January weather disturbances dropped 8 inches of fresh snow at the resort doubling the base depth and allowing officials to open the Summit West lift and possibly Magic Carpet will soon start running for skiers and snowboarders For those not interested in skiing or snowboarding KOMO News Meteorologist Stella Sun warned that warming temperatures will cause snow levels to rise by late Tuesday afternoon officials are focusing on opening Central and Alpental next Stock Image.Photo: George Dodd/Getty Images Views of the Alpental area at The Summit at Snoqualmie this afternoon Let's hope the freezing level cooperates.Either way I'm shacking up at The Summit this season trash bags) was God's gift to Pacific Northwest skiers by Jackie Kent — Drivers and visitors to Washington's ski resorts are bracing for the chance of lowland snow this weekend “We’ve been keeping our snow dances for this exact moment,” skier Javier Bernal from Issaquah told KOMO News The consistent snowfall is a welcome sight for skiers and snowboarders who have been dealing with mostly icy conditions on the mountain in recent weeks Crowds packed into the tubing area to race while others formed the perfect snowman “My dad wanted to bring me and my cousins here because it would be really fun to come here for a day,” Nicole Ceballos stated RELATED: Western Washington lowland snow forecast coming into 'focus' Visitors told KOMO News they were expecting one to three inches of snow, but were excited to learn six inches of snow fell overnight. The resort explained this likely keeps them around 75% of their normal snowpack. “You kind of always are going to be concerned when there’s a dry spell and then some new snow is going to create variable snowpack so you always want to be aware of avalanche reports and whatnot,” Bernal added ALSO SEE: Heavy snow in Cascades is good news for snowpack chains were required for all vehicles across Snoqualmie Pass except for those with all-wheel drive WSDOT reports crews are working 24/7 on I-90 and urges drivers to give them space as they clear the snow and slush but the WSDOT avalanche crews don’t have any I-90 closures planned for avalanche control on Friday They still need more snow in the avalanche paths on I-90 just west of the summit before that’s needed State troopers are enforcing the chain requirement Washington State Patrol reporters the agency cited 10 drivers Friday morning for not using chains when required near Snoqualmie Pass Click here to check the latest pass conditions on the WSDOT website. Road conditions are expected to quickly change at Snoqualmie Pass with snow beginning to stick Thursday night SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. - Snow started sticking to the roads late Thursday night at Snoqualmie Pass late March snowfall is a welcome springtime surprise "It’s been snowing like this all day," said Mason Vrooman Steady snowfall has kept Vrooman and his coworkers busy "It’s been going like this for about a week I’m pretty happy with it," said Vrooman The weather put a little spring in everyone's step at the summit.  'this is awesome,'" said Vrooman Merrill was taking advantage of the weather on Thursday afternoon The roads were better for travel earlier in the afternoon We got a few inches of fresh snow last night and I went up for some backcountry skiing after work and just did a quick little lap in the trees. Roads have been pretty good," said Merrill.  but Thursday night into Friday morning may be a different story "It sounds like there is a bigger storm coming in I wouldn’t recommend coming up here tomorrow morning the time period during which Washington drivers can use them is quickly coming to a close WSDOT says they're only legal from November 1 through March 31 and drivers using studded tires after the 31st could receive a fine from law enforcement "I heard it’s upwards of $200," said Vrooman after being pulled over with studded tires in the past in Cle Elum He has a good sense of humor after nearly getting a hefty fine himself I got pulled over with studs on in June," Vrooman said with a smile A reminder from WSDOT about those studded tires There is no individual exception to the studded tire season even if traveling from another state with differing laws The Source: Information in this story is from the Washington State Department of Transportation and FOX 13 Seattle reporting Top aide for WA Gov. Ferguson resigns over workplace complaints, report Seattle police arrest man accused of more than 20 bank robberies Here's where Seattle renters are relocating Seattle's Capitol Hill Block Party announces 2025 lineup, changes to event Could Bryan Kohberger’s autism defense for capital murder set a precedent? To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news weather updates and more local and national coverage plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. — A thick blanket of fresh snow fell on the mountains over the weekend but the Summit at Snoqualmie ski resort remains closed despite receiving several inches of snow Meteorologist Stella Sun reported that the resort received 5 inches of new snow bringing the base total to a foot and the snow season grand total to 30 inches so far While there hasn't been an official announcement regarding the opening the Summit at Snoqualmie is selling lift tickets for Saturday The snowfall totals in the last 48 hours for the other ski resorts that are open are: the Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a 40% to 50% above-average chance for precipitation this weekend Summit at Snoqualmie opened earlier on December 2 only three have opened in the first week of December while four began running lifts in the second week by Paul Rivera and Gabe Katzman | KOMO News Staff SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. — There will be some new parking fees for anyone planning on skiing or visiting the Summit at Snoqualmie this winter — with some visitors paying a hefty fee for a parking permit to hit the slopes Visitors with lift tickets or passes will either have parking included or pay an additional $5 per day. But for everyone else, general parking permits will now be available for $55 a day with parking lot restrictions and limited availability The parking permit changes will be in effect from 7 a.m.-2 p.m Those with the Ikon Pass and daily ticket purchasers will now get codes sent by email to get discounted daily parking permits for $5 a day An Ikon Pass already costs up to $1,449 and many other resorts—like Crystal Mountain—include free parking for passholders Because permits are only needed until 2 p.m. night skiers and any visitors arriving after that time will not need a permit to park Other passholders will have free parking permits that will be good for the entire season “Parking is included with each season pass, so there's no additional cost," Summit at Snoqualmie wrote "Each passholder will also be able to use up to two vehicles Permit codes will be sent via email beginning in November.” The resort said only one vehicle can be active at a time so passholders will need to "make sure the vehicle in use is the active vehicle on their parking account." The Summit at Snoqualmie said it will post more information on their website. The company will also begin distributing codes in November and at that time a parking management website will also launch but the resort said the move to a parking permit system was needed to better manage the parking that often spilled out of the lots and onto the side of the road and general winter recreation visitors are utilizing our parking lots each year," the Summit at Snoqualmie said "While we love that more people are getting to enjoy the outdoors the additional vehicles make it increasingly challenging for our guests to park and get to the slopes." Here is a guide to who will pay what amount: There is no change to the cost of overnight parking If parking enforcement catches a vehicle that did not attain a permit or other infractions The resort said some common citations include parking in a signed prohibited area and parking in an EV charging spot without charging The Summit at Snoqualmie said if a $200citation is paid within 10 days Parking along SR 906 or other areas not managed by the resort will not require a permit Resort officials said they will collect feedback and parking data to fine-tune the program in the future Click here to learn more. MYNORTHWEST WEATHER 1:01 PM | Updated: 1:04 pm It's a tough weekend for driving over Snoqualmie Pass This is one of several vehicles that spun out of control on I-90 after a significant snowfall made driving treacherous BY TOM BROCK Slick and treacherous conditions on Snoqualmie Pass Saturday morning made driving tough for people trying to make it through the Washington Cascades The slippery pavement caused a semi to jackknife and several other vehicle spinouts resulting in lanes of I-90 briefly blocked The Washington State Patrol reports a Washington Department of Transportation road grader pulled the stuck semi out of the way keeping most lanes of travel open on the freeway “It was definitely winter driving conditions and we had some spinouts and jackknifed semis which caused a delay for the plows to keep going,” said Washington State Trooper Rick Johnson they were able to do an awesome job and keep the roadway open.” A WSDOT road grader was able to pull this jackknifed semi out of the lanes of travel after its driver lost control on I-90 Saturday morning Chains were required for all vehicles traveling over Snoqulamie Pass on Saturday morning It is unclear whether the driver of the jackknifed semi had installed chains on his rig The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Washington Cascades that is effective at least through 11 a.m It says you can expect hazardous weather conditions especially on the western slopes of the North Cascades and mountain passes so we want people to be aware and be prepared for that,” Johnson said “If you’re not comfortable driving in those conditions postpone your trip and go at a different time.” Compact snow and ice is expected to remain on I-90 througout the weekend especially for those not used to driving on snow and ice “They lose traction and slide a little bit and get into a position where they can’t get themselves out of it,” said Trooper Johnson you get vehicles that are unable to move.” Forecasters expect rain and snow in the mountains throughout the weekend and a slight chance of thunderstorms in the evening They predict more rain and snow early Sunday An accumulation of two to five inches is possible on Sunday alone with a total accumulation of six to 16 inches expected by Monday makes more sense to not even try to drive in the mountains “If you’re not comfortable or don’t have experience trying to drive in those conditions we kindly ask that you postpone your trip,” he said Those are in place specifically to make it possible to keep the pass open Because if we get a spinout or a jackknifed semi that blocks any part of the freeway then the plows can’t continue to do the great job they do by keeping that roadway passable.” none of the spinouts the state patrol responded to Saturday morning resulted in serious injuries or fatalities “Ice and slippery conditions don’t really care if you have 18-wheel drive or four-wheel drive,” Johnson said but it still requires you to adjust your speed but stopping is no different than in any other vehicle.”