NWS Seattle Issues Critical Travel Advisory for Snoqualmie and Stevens Pass Through Thursday
SEATTLE — If you were planning a drive across the mountains this week, cancel it immediately.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Seattle has officially upgraded its alerts, issuing a severe winter storm warning for the entire Washington Cascade range. Starting early this morning (Tuesday, Jan 6) and lasting through Thursday afternoon, a powerful Pacific frontal system is slamming into the region, bringing dangerous travel conditions and massive snow totals.
While Seattleites in the lowlands are waking up to heavy rain and gusty winds, the situation in the mountains is rapidly deteriorating. Meteorologists are forecasting between 2 to 4 feet of snow at pass levels, with snowfall rates reaching a blinding 1 inch per hour during the Tuesday evening commute.
This is the first major “Pinpoint Alert” weather event of 2026, and its impacts will be felt from the ski slopes of Mt. Baker to the streets of downtown Seattle.
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The “Winter Storm Warning” Details
The winter storm warning is currently active and covers the West Slopes of the North and Central Cascades. This includes King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Lewis counties.
- Effective: 4:00 AM Tuesday (Jan 6) – 4:00 PM Thursday (Jan 8).
- Snow Totals: 24 to 48 inches (2-4 feet) above 2,500 feet.
- Winds: Gusts up to 45 mph on ridges, creating whiteout conditions.
- Confidence: High. The moisture plume is directly targeting the Olympics and Cascades.
This is not a typical dusting. This is a significant accumulation event that will bury roadways faster than WSDOT plows can clear them.
Mountain Pass Impacts: “Travel Impossible”
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has issued blunt advice for drivers: “Know before you go, and if you don’t have to go, don’t.”
Snoqualmie Pass (I-90)
As the primary artery connecting Seattle to Eastern Washington, I-90 is in the crosshairs.
- Current Status: Heavy snow began falling at 5:00 AM today.
- Prediction: 20-30 inches of new snow by Thursday.
- Risk: Spontaneous closures for avalanche control are highly likely on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Drivers should expect 2-3 hour delays.
Stevens Pass (US 2)
The situation on Highway 2 is even more critical.
- Current Status: Pilot cars are already in operation due to lingering repairs from last month’s storms.
- Prediction: Up to 4 feet of snow.
- Risk: With the pilot car slowing traffic and heavy snow falling at 1-2 inches per hour, the risk of getting stuck on the pass is real. WSDOT may close the highway entirely if visibility drops to zero.
White Pass (US 12) & Mt. Baker
While slightly further south, White Pass is also under the winter storm warning. Mt. Baker Ski Area is expecting the highest totals in the state, potentially topping 50 inches of fresh powder, which is great for skiers but treacherous for anyone driving the Mount Baker Highway.
Lowland Impacts: Rain, Wind & Power Outages
While the winter storm warning is technically for the mountains, the storm’s energy is thrashing the Puget Sound lowlands with a different set of hazards.
The Seattle “Soaker”
For those in Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma, snow is not the issue—water is.
- Rainfall: 1-2 inches of rain is expected in the metro area today.
- Urban Flooding: With storm drains potentially clogged by debris from previous weeks, ponding on roadways (especially I-5 near the Convention Center and SR 99) is expected during the Tuesday evening commute.
Wind Advisory for the Coast
A separate Wind Advisory is in effect for the coast and islands (Whidbey, Camano, San Juans).
- Speeds: Sustained winds of 20-30 mph with gusts hitting 50 mph.
- Power Outages: Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and Seattle City Light crews are on standby. The combination of saturated soil and high winds often leads to trees toppling onto power lines. If you live in a wooded area (like Sammamish or Woodinville), charge your devices now.
For Skiers: The “Powder Alert” of the Decade?
There is a silver lining to this winter storm warning, and it shines brightly for the ski and snowboard community.
After a slow start to the season in December 2025, this storm cycle is a “season-maker.”
- Crystal Mountain: Reporting heavy snowfall already. They could see 3 feet of fresh base by Friday morning.
- The Summit at Snoqualmie: Essential for their operations, this storm will likely open up all remaining terrain at Alpental.
- Stevens Pass: If you can get there (which is a big “if”), the conditions on Wednesday and Thursday will be legendary deep powder.
Warning for Backcountry Users: The Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) is expected to raise the avalanche danger to HIGH or EXTREME by Wednesday. The new heavy snow is landing on a variable snowpack, creating a classic “slab avalanche” setup. Stay in-bounds.
How to Prepare: The 2026 Winter Survival Kit
If you absolutely must drive through the winter storm warning zone, you are legally required to carry chains. But preparedness goes beyond that.
The “Must-Have” Car Kit:
- Chains/Cables: And know how to put them on before you are stuck on the side of I-90 in the dark.
- Blankets & Warm Clothes: If the pass closes, you could be sitting in your car for 4-6 hours.
- Food & Water: Energy bars and a gallon of water.
- Headlamp: Essential for installing chains at night.
- Kitty Litter: For traction if you get stuck in a patch of ice.
Home Prep (Lowlands):
- Check your flashlight batteries.
- Clear your gutter drains to prevent basement flooding.
- Secure loose outdoor furniture (patio umbrellas, chairs) due to wind gusts.
The Science Behind the Storm: Atmospheric River meets Cold Front
Why is this specific winter storm warning so severe?
Meteorologists explain that we are seeing a collision of two major weather systems.
- Moisture Plume: A mild “Atmospheric River” is feeding tropical moisture up from the Pacific.
- Cold Trap: Cold air from the Gulf of Alaska is locked in place over the Cascades.
When that warm, wet air hits the cold mountain air wall, it condenses instantly into massive snowflakes. This is why the snow ratios are “heavy and wet” (Cascade Concrete) rather than light and fluffy. This type of snow is difficult to shovel and causes spin-outs easily because it turns to slush under tires.
Looking Ahead: When Will It Stop?
The intensity of this storm will peak Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
- Wednesday Mid-Day: Showers continue, but the “firehose” intensity tapers off.
- Thursday: The winter storm warning expires at 4:00 PM. Lighter snow showers will linger.
- The Weekend Outlook: Friday looks drier and colder. This means if you can wait until Saturday to travel or ski, you will likely face clear roads and bluebird skies over a fresh white coat of snow.
WSDOT & Official Alerts
Keep these resources bookmarked for the next 48 hours:
- WSDOT Mobile App: For live camera feeds of Snoqualmie and Stevens Pass.
- NWS Seattle Twitter (X): For the latest updates on the winter storm warning timing.
- 511: Dial this number for road conditions if you don’t have data service.
Stay safe, Seattle. Whether you are huddling inside away from the wind or waxing your skis for the powder days ahead, respect the power of this January storm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does a “Winter Storm Warning” mean exactly?
A: A winter storm warning is issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. It is more severe than a “Winter Weather Advisory.”
Q: Will schools in Seattle be closed tomorrow?
Q: Are chains required on I-90 right now?
A: As of Tuesday morning, “Traction Tires” are advised, but this will likely upgrade to “Chains Required” for all vehicles (except AWD) by Tuesday evening.
Q: Is it safe to drive to Leavenworth today?
A: It is highly discouraged. US 2 (Stevens Pass) is the most dangerous route during this storm due to the pilot car operations and heavy snowfall rates.
Q: How much snow will Snoqualmie Pass get?
A: The forecast calls for 20 to 30 inches between Tuesday and Thursday.
Q: Is this normal for January?
A: Yes, January is typically Washington’s wettest and snowiest month. However, 4 feet in 48 hours is at the upper end of typical storm intensity.
Q: Will the power go out in Seattle?
A: It is a moderate risk. The soil is saturated from December rains, making trees less stable in the 40-50 mph wind gusts predicted for today.
Q: When does the Winter Storm Warning end?
A: The warning is scheduled to expire at 4:00 PM PST on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
