traveling across WA this week, Safe? (Spokane, Snoqualmie: college, move to, food)

[AlwaysLooking]

Hi everyone,
What with the current weather how do you think a roadtrip from Spokane to the Olympic coast would go for some fairly novice drivers in snow? Should I stay put this week? thanks for the advice.

[diggitydot]

Originally Posted by AlwaysLooking

Hi everyone,
What with the current weather how do you think a roadtrip from Spokane to the Olympic coast would go for some fairly novice drivers in snow? Should I stay put this week? thanks for the advice.

I wouldn't do it and I've been driving for almost 20 years. Here's a link to the traffic cams for WSDOT. Check 'em out before deciding.

Traffic & Weather

[WendyK]

I drove into Spokane this morning just about 15 miles from the NW side of town and I was shaking with nerves by the time I got to the office! The roads are a snowy mess. Lots of main roads are closed in other parts of the state, so you might want to check the status before venturing out (if you do). Personally, I'd wait a couple weeks to see if some of this melts off - we're supposed to get another 4-6 inches later this afternoon and tonight.

[AlwaysLooking]

Thank you everyone! I'm glad I asked.

[allforcats]

And the two passes have had problems. Snoqualmie Pass (I-90) just opened less than an hour ago after having been closed for 30 hours because an avalanche buried a car and semi truck and they had to dig out those folks as well as set off explotions to prevent additional avalanches. The Cascades have been getting close to, or more than, a foot of snow per day for the past few days. The previous posters here are spot on -- wait, and keep checking WSDOT!

WSDOT says: the passes are getting avalanches in places where they haven't happened for years, and more snow is coming. Right now CHAINS are required to cross Snoqualmie Pass and TRACTION TIRES are required for Stevens Pass (Rt.2).

I've been driving for more than 40 years in snow/ice of Conn., NY and Montana, but I'd wait. Be sure to travel with plenty of gas, drinking water, blankets; deep-winter hats, gloves, socks and clothing; food (keep it cold in the trunk). and any medications you need in case you get stuck waiting for avalanche control.

[AlwaysLooking]

Hi again,
I'm a newbie obviously but have been lurking for a couple of months as we've been considering a move to Spokane. You are all so helpful on this forum. My daughter is in college in Spokane and I was asking questions because of her--wish I had thought of asking here sooner. Up until this morning I thought the trip to visit her friend's family was called off because of the weather. I learned otherwise after they were already on the road this morning. I couldn't persuade them to turn around so I'm trying not to worry now. They have a route mapped out which takes them over Status Pass--apparently it will take longer but should be safer?? And they have the required chains and stuff in case of problems.
I seem to be the only one worried so I'm trying to remember to breathe! I recall thinking I could do anything at her age as well. Sigh!

Thank you again for the help and links, I will be using them in the future as well.

[diggitydot]

Originally Posted by AlwaysLooking

Hi again,
I'm a newbie obviously but have been lurking for a couple of months as we've been considering a move to Spokane. You are all so helpful on this forum. My daughter is in college in Spokane and I was asking questions because of her--wish I had thought of asking here sooner. Up until this morning I thought the trip to visit her friend's family was called off because of the weather. I learned otherwise after they were already on the road this morning. I couldn't persuade them to turn around so I'm trying not to worry now. They have a route mapped out which takes them over Status Pass--apparently it will take longer but should be safer?? And they have the required chains and stuff in case of problems.
I seem to be the only one worried so I'm trying to remember to breathe! I recall thinking I could do anything at her age as well. Sigh!

Thank you again for the help and links, I will be using them in the future as well.

Here's the most recent information on Status Pass from WSDOT:

SATUS PASS

Elevation: 3107 ft / 947M
Temperature: 29ºF / -1ºC
Conditions & Weather:
Mostly bare and wet with slush in places // Overcast skies with occasional snow showers
Restrictions Northbound:
Traction Tires Advised, Oversize Vehicles Prohibited.
Restrictions Southbound:
Traction Tires Advised, Oversize Vehicles Prohibited.
Updated: 01:24 PM, Jan 30, 2008
This is the most current info available
and is promptly updated when conditions change.

Go ahead and breathe again! I'm sure they'll be just fine.

ETA: Here's a link that has more details and a camera for Status Pass.

[brokencrayola]

This winter is too bad for a trip like that, especially if you are not used to driving in the snow and ice. Many of the passes require chains right now. I know how to drive in the snow and I would hate making a trip like that right now if I did not absolutely have to.

[allforcats]

THIS JUST IN: As of now, just 5 hours after Snoqualmie Pass was opened, it's closed again due to a new avalanche which buried some cars; folks rescued. Crews to work through the night, says WSDOT. :-)

[AlwaysLooking]

Woah! I hope no one has been trapped in it. The wayward travelers made it over Status Pass. There was light snow and rain. My aneurysm is holding. thanks..