Snowstorm causes spinouts and closure of I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Heavy snowfall caused multiple vehicle spinouts and crashes on I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass in Washington, forcing authorities to close the highway in both directions on March 13 and keep it closed overnight into March 14, 2026. Snoqualmie Pass received about 56 cm (22 inches) of new snow overnight, while the Summit at Snoqualmie reported about 107 cm (42 inches) over 48 hours during the storm.
According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the closure affected traffic approaching the pass from both directions on March 13, after over 51 cm (20 inches) of snow overnight.
Eastbound traffic was halted near North Bend, while westbound vehicles were stopped near Easton, as responders worked to remove disabled vehicles and reopen blocked lanes.
Several crashes and spinouts were reported along the mountain highway during periods of intense snowfall and slushy road conditions, temporarily blocking lanes and creating hazardous travel conditions across the pass.
WSDOT said I-90 was closed in both directions from North Bend to Ellensburg and was likely to remain closed through the day on March 13 as crews worked to clear multiple spun-out vehicles, downed trees, and long stretches of snow- and ice-covered highway.
Winter driving restrictions were implemented during the storm, including chain requirements for most vehicles traveling across the pass.
Oversized vehicles were also temporarily restricted while crews responded to collisions and cleared stranded vehicles. School closures were also reported due to the snowstorm and severe weather over the weekend.
The pass was reopened on March 14. It received around 56 cm (22 inches) of snow overnight on March 13 into 14, according to WSDOT.
The snowstorm was associated with a long-duration atmospheric river that struck the Pacific Northwest during the morning of March 11, bringing heavy rain and snow across portions of Washington and Oregon.
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Featured image credit: WSDOT
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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