Will I have any trouble driving Snoqualmie Pass next month? (Seattle: rental car, rental)

[kayy911]

Hey,

So I'll be in Seattle in mid-Feb and I need to be in Ellensburg for one of those days, so that naturally means going through the Snoqualmie Pass right?

Well, what are the odds that it's either closed and/or I need chains?

Thanks.

[Cinebar]

Originally Posted by kayy911

Hey,

So I'll be in Seattle in mid-Feb and I need to be in Ellensburg for one of those days, so that naturally means going through the Snoqualmie Pass right?

Well, what are the odds that it's either closed and/or I need chains?

Thanks.

I think it's impossible to predict what it's going to be like three weeks from now.

I know Snoqualmie does get closed periodically throughout the winter due to avalanche danger.

Carrying chains is pretty much a given.

I would suggest bookmarking this:

WSDOT - Snoqualmie Pass Road and Weather Conditions

And keeping an eye on the conditions the closer you get to your trip.

White Pass might be an alternate route for you if Snoqualmie is closed:

WSDOT - White Pass Road and Weather Conditions

[kayy911]

Thanks for the info, my next question is, how do chains and rental cars work?

[Cinebar]

Originally Posted by kayy911

Thanks for the info, my next question is, how do chains and rental cars work?

Sorry, not a clue. LOL

Hopefully someone will come along that can help you with that.

[kayy911]

Originally Posted by Cinebar

Sorry, not a clue. LOL

Hopefully someone will come along that can help you with that.

Some use you are .....


Haha just kidding, I appreciate your previous input, but yes, I'm hoping someone can shed some light on chains and rental cars.

[Cinebar]

Originally Posted by kayy911

Some use you are .....

Well, I do have my limits......

[kayy911]

Originally Posted by cinebar

well, i do have my limits......

<3

[Hemlock140]

The pass has gotten over 80" of snow in the last two weeks, so there will be many closures for avalanche control through at least may, whether it snows more or not.

Some rental car agencies have restrictions against using tire chains, as it can damage their tires. 99% of the time when chains are required over I90 vehicles with 4WD are exempt. Rent a 4x4 SUV and you will be good to go.

[M3 Mitch]

I would ask the rental car company about chains, I don't know if there is a typical policy or not.

Committing to going over the pass on one particular day can be a source of grief - some days it's fine, others it's flat-out closed to traffic, period.

[j_k_k]

Originally Posted by kayy911

Hey,

So I'll be in Seattle in mid-Feb and I need to be in Ellensburg for one of those days, so that naturally means going through the Snoqualmie Pass right?

Well, what are the odds that it's either closed and/or I need chains?

Thanks.

There is a good chance you'll need chains, an excellent chance you will be required to have some on board, and a small chance it'll be closed. If the car rental agency doesn't allow chains, then you can either take risks, or defy them and buy some and put them on anyway, which is another risk. A 4WD will help some, but I wouldn't get overconfident with it. When it snows and in freezing rain, the ditches are full of 4WDs whose drivers thought themselves Masters of Space and Time.