Heavy Snow in Washington, December 27, 1998

Nearly 18 inches of snow fell along Interstate 90 at Snoqualmie Pass before changing to sleet and freezing rain. Up to ten inches of snow fell in the East Slopes of the southern Washington Cascades and up to three inches of snow fell in the Kittitas valley before it changed to rain during the afternoon. Washington Department of Transportation closed Interstate 90 through Snoqualmie Pass and Highway 2 through Stevens Pass by early afternoon because of avalanche danger. Both roads are major traffic routes to Seattle. As many as 3,000 holiday travellers spent the night in Cle Elum and 6,000 in Ellensburg. Central Washington University in Ellensburg opened 800 dorm rooms for stranded travellers. By early evening, hotels were full and the American Red Cross set up shelters. Up to 800 people stayed in Red Cross shelters while others spent the night in their vehicles. The roads through the passes were opened around noon on the 28th after the snow was removed and avalanche control measures were taken.