BEFORE & AFTER: Snow covers Paradise visitor center at Mount Rainier
MOUNT RAINIER — Now you see it, now you don’t … because there’s a lot of snow in the way.
PHOTO SLIDER: The National Weather Service in Seattle on Friday posted a comparison of a typical mid-summer scene versus the current one at the visitor center at Paradise at Mount Rainier.
We’re using this and a few other updates from NWS, WSDOT and NW Avalanche Center to give you a better idea of what the mountains look like toward the end of a series of winter storms.
RELATED: Winter storm impacting eastern Washington and Oregon roads, travel, school, homes Friday
WSDOT reported Snoqualmie Pass got over a foot of snow overnight Thursday into Friday, bringing the season total to 396 inches. There is potential for another foot of snow by Friday night.
Heavy snow is expected on Stevens Pass on Friday, too. It was reopened Friday morning after avalanche-control work. Chains are required on all vehicles except AWD/4WD.
WSDOT was reporting a lot of traffic at the Stevens Pass summit as people went to play in the snow. Reminder: do not park or walk on the road.
Really hoping all of these folks went prepared, heavy snow expected in the passes today: https://t.co/SsMcXSlSU3 https://t.co/NhvVkcQUe9
— Washington State DOT (@wsdot) February 26, 2021
“We got 19″ of snow last night, and as you can see by the picture, it is serious winter weather out there. If you have to travel over the pass right now be prepared to take it slow.”
US 2 Stevens Pass is reopened with chains required on all vehicle except AWD/4WD. We got 19″ of snow last night, and as you can see by the picture, it is serious winter weather out there. If you have to travel over the pass right now be prepared to take it slow. https://t.co/0OzFprfDU3 pic.twitter.com/DqPLyr0Acv
— WSDOT East (@WSDOT_East) February 26, 2021
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And here’s a look at the latest snowslide to fall across SR 20/North Cascades Highway. This will take some time to clear, so highway is closed at milepost 120 until further notice. Newhalem bound traffic can still get in/out. https://t.co/Ehbk2QXSPz pic.twitter.com/marUwki81s
— WSDOT North Traffic (@wsdot_north) February 26, 2021
AVALANCHE: Washington’s Dept. of Transportation dropped explosives from a helicopter Wednesday to trigger an avalanche near I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass:
WSDOT officials say crews need to clear these avalanche-prone parts of the mountain every five years or so.
2/26/21 (7:10am)- We’ve issued an updated avalanche warning for the Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass and West Slopes Central Zones. Please check the forecast to see full updates: https://t.co/vqt3TEeFJl pic.twitter.com/A3qNMT0pQN
— NW Avalanche Center (@nwacus) February 26, 2021
In Oregon, OR 204 (Tollgate Hwy) is closed both directions between OR Hwy 11 and Elgin (mileposts 0 to 37.5) due to extreme winter conditions, slick roads, continuous snow, narrow travel lanes with limited shoulders, and high snow berms adjacent to the road, ODOT reports. Use alternate routes. This closure is expected to last all day and into the night. More Info Here
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