US-2 has reopened in both directions near Stevens Pass summit after a serious two-car head-on collision forced closure of the highway Tuesday afternoon, the Washington State Patrol announced, as winter weather conditions continue affecting travel across Cascade mountain passes.
Snow is actively falling on Stevens Pass and Snoqualmie Pass corridors, with Winter Weather Advisories remaining in effect across the Cascade mountain range through 4 a.m. Wednesday morning. Travellers should anticipate challenging driving conditions throughout the region, particularly at higher elevations where snow accumulation and reduced visibility create hazardous circumstances.
According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, US-2 was closed in both directions at milepost 72 east of Stevens Pass summit due to the collision that blocked traffic flow. The Washington State Patrol indicated it was responding to a two-vehicle head-on collision and characterised the incident as a “critical incident,” suggesting serious injuries or complex circumstances requiring extended emergency response.
Traffic officials announced the highway reopened to vehicle traffic around 5:00 p.m. after emergency crews cleared the crash scene and debris from the roadway, though drivers continuing to face winter driving conditions as snowfall persists.
As of 2:00 p.m., traction tires are strongly advised on all vehicles travelling through Stevens Pass, with chains required on vehicles exceeding 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Oversize vehicles are prohibited from using the pass due to winter conditions that make manoeuvring large loads dangerous on narrow mountain highways.
Compact snow and ice have accumulated on the roadway surface throughout the Stevens Pass corridor, creating slippery conditions that reduce traction and increase stopping distances even for vehicles equipped with winter tyres.
On Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass, traction tyres are advised and oversize vehicles are prohibited as of 2:00 p.m., with active snowfall and accumulations of snow and slush on the roadway creating similar hazardous driving conditions to those at Stevens Pass.
Though chains may not currently be required under mandatory chain laws on Washington’s mountain passes, WSDOT is reminding drivers that all vehicles should carry chains when travelling mountain routes during winter months in case conditions deteriorate and chain requirements are implemented without warning.
According to WSDOT regulations, when a “Chains Required” advisory is posted at mountain passes, any driver who fails to install chains on their vehicle faces a $500 fine, a significant penalty designed to ensure compliance with safety requirements that protect both individual drivers and other motorists who could be endangered by vehicles losing control on icy roads.
WSDOT is also reminding drivers that studded tyres are now legal in Washington through 31 March 2025, providing an additional traction option for motorists who frequently travel mountain passes during winter months and prefer the enhanced grip studded tyres provide on ice compared to standard all-season or winter tyres.
A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 10 a.m. Tuesday through 4 a.m. Wednesday across the Cascade mountain range. Snoqualmie Pass and Blewett Pass could receive 3 to 8 inches of snow accumulation during the advisory period, whilst White Pass and Stevens Pass could see heavier snowfall totalling 6 to 10 inches. Freezing rain and ice accumulation are possible around Snoqualmie Pass during evening hours Tuesday into early Wednesday morning, creating particularly treacherous conditions where rain falls on cold road surfaces and immediately freezes.
