Update: I-90 reopens after 42” of snow in 48 hours. Chains required

Update:

Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass reopened in both directions about 8 a.m. Saturday. Chains are required on all vehicles except those with all-wheel drive.

Washington state Department of Transportation reported 42 inches of snow in 48 hours.

Highway 2 Stevens Pass reopened about 10 a.m. Chains are required on all vehicles except those with all-wheel drive.

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Nearly 80 miles of Interstate 90 over the Cascade Mountains closed to traffic due to crashes and spinouts on snowy and icy roads Friday morning and could remain closed until Saturday morning.

The Washington state Department of Transportation announced the westbound closure of Interstate 90 at about 7 a.m. Friday and the eastbound closure an hour later after initially requiring chains.

The interstate and other mountain roads likely would remain closed overnight in both directions, it said in an update about 4:30 p.m.

“This highway (I-90) has severe compact snow and ice, making for treacherous driving conditions with more water on the way,” the state posted. “Spring storms bring freeze/thaw/freeze conditions, essentially turning I-90 into an ice rink.”

Travelers on I-90 late Friday afternoon who were trying to get off should contact Snoqualmie Pass Fire and Rescue, according to the Department of Transportation.

There was some access between Easton and Ellensburg via Highways 10 and 97, it said. But there was no travel east from North Bend to Snoqualmie.

I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass was under a winter storm warning until 5 a.m. Saturday.

Friday 6 to 10 inches of new snow were forecast, with another couple of inches possible Friday night and again Saturday.

Snow accumulation of only an inch or so total was forecast at the pass Saturday night through Sunday night, with precipitation turning to rain Monday through at least Thursday, according to the weather service.

Travelers also were warned by the Department of Transportation Friday afternoon that Highway 2 from west of the summit to Coles Corner, or mileposts 55-85, was likely to remain closed until morning.

It issued the same update for Highway 410 from Enumclaw to Greenwater in the Cascade Mountains.

A winter storm warning also was issued for the Blue Mountain pass on Interstate 84 east of Pendleton until 5 p.m. Friday, with gusty winds blowing snow.

More snow was forecast, possibly mixed with rain Friday night through Sunday night before the weather warms.

This story was originally published March 13, 2026 at 11:07 AM.