After a burst of mid-October snow chaos, Blewett Pass, a key corridor along US Route 97, has reopened to the relief of travelers and truckers alike. KOMO News reports that the pass was cleared for traffic late Monday morning following closures caused by treacherous driving conditions. The snowstorm triggered disabled semi-trucks and multiple vehicle collisions, prompting authorities to shut down the pass for safety.
Conditions began to deteriorate early Monday, with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) East stating heavy snowfall commenced around 5 a.m, according to KIRO 7. Law enforcement and transportation crews were quick to respond to the winter-like scene that unfolded, with WSDOT East tweeting at 6:30 a.m. that there was no estimated time for the route's reopening. Multiple vehicles, including disabled semis, had spun out by milepost 164, leading to the extended closure of the highway.
By 10 a.m., crews were able to report progress. The Washington State Patrol echoed surprise over the sudden snowfall, with a social media post quoted by KOMO News saying, "Who would’ve thought halfway through October that Blewett pass would look like this." It was a succinct commentary on the early arrival of winter conditions that many were unprepared for.
Eventually, the persistence of the crews paid off, and by shortly after 10:00 a.m. WSDOT confirmed the reopening of the pass. FOX 13 Seattle reported drivers are now advised to use traction tires, given the lingering snow and slick road surfaces. The department stressed the importance of remaining vigilant while driving and ensuring vehicles are properly equipped for these sudden, winter-like conditions.
While the pass is now navigable, this episode serves as an early wake-up call for drivers in the region. Unpredictable weather patterns are increasingly the norm and this event stands as yet another reminder of the importance of being prepared for rapid shifts in driving conditions, especially as we edge into the winter months.
