I-90 Pass Closures

Submitted by Run6Run t3_z4rp12 in Washington

Gonna be crossing the pass this weekend and looks like it could get a foot of snow between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. I know my car can handle it but I'm concerned about pass closures. How much snow does it take for WSDOT to close the pass usually? If there is a possibility of closure I'll probably leave Saturday morning instead of Sunday. Thanks!

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Nearly_Pointless t1_ixseub3 wrote

It’s not typically the snow itself that closes the pass but rather people who aren’t prepared for winter driving attempting to cross and spinning out. Once there are a few dozen spin outs, they have to close the pass so tow trucks can get up there and clear them out.

In other words, it’s almost inevitable that it will get closed so if you’re really needing to get across, get across before too much snow falls.

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hotdog-waters t1_ixtgj3y wrote

Exactly, un prepared drivers and truckers trying to blast through before chains are required always pile up at some point once the road gets icy. Could be avoided if WSP actually enforced AWD/winter tires/chains

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sweet_taint t1_ixshpwi wrote

It’s ice and wrecks caused by the ice that will be a bigger threat to closure than the snow itself

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Apart_Statistician t1_ixswar9 wrote

I'm also making this drive (Boise to Seattle) wondering if I should detour via I-84 and Portland in a rental car

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bedlog t1_ixtjkkp wrote

the Blue Mountains /Emmigrant Hill just east of Pendleton can be very tricky weather wise. Check ODOT's web pages and they also compartmentalize each section of Oregon.

Once you make it past or down the Blue Mountain Pass (4k too) then you have the valley that La Grande is in and another hour away is Baker City which is also part of that valley. The locals say that the wind and weather whips up snow because the two towns are surrounded by mountains, and it's like being in a toilet bowl. I-84 closes a lot in the winter in that area

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Rocketgirl8097 t1_ixt6j71 wrote

Also have to be wsry of avalanches that will close the road.

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Another_Penguin t1_ixtn3ih wrote

They can usually plow and keep it open at least to vehicles with chains, but at some point they'll have to close it for avalanche risk. Keep an eye on the avalanche forecast https://nwac.us/

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hoehater t1_ixxhbmh wrote

It’s open more often than not, closures are generally due to accidents or avalanche control and normally don’t last too long. Give yourself some extra time just in case and be sure to keep water, snacks, and a warm jacket and or blanket with you in case you need to wait a few hours. You might also plan on possible alternate routes. Lots of folks detour over stevens pass(highway 2) when 90 closes…. If you have traction tires and or chains it’s not a bad way to go.

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