Snoqualmie conditions make travel difficult
WSDOT photo A view from the Department of Transportation’s camera at Easton on the way up to Snoqualmie Pass. The pass had reopened as of Thursday evening.
The National Weather Service warns of hazardous conditions over the next few days, barring many legislators in Olympia from returning to their districts.
Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, said on account of illness and weather she’s had to remain in Olympia the last few weeks. She hopes the pass will open this weekend so she can reconnect with family and constituents.
“It’s a big question,” Warnick said. “I haven’t been home since session started.”
Snoqualmie Pass was closed after an ice storm caused avalanches which left trees and excessive snow on the roads, although it had reopened with restrictions as of Thursday evening. More snow is expected to fall over the weekend in Central Washington as well as possible flooding in the Whitman and Adams County areas.
Rep. Tom Dent said he’d like to return home almost every weekend, but would prefer to avoid the dangerous conditions.
“I’m going home if I can,” Dent said. “I haven’t been in a while, but I won’t take any unnecessary risks.”
Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, said she was anxious to return home to her family as well as her ponies, one of which was injured on a fence recently. Her plan is to catch a ride home with Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, but she might cancel if the pass doesn’t improve.
Dye is thankful that some of her constitutes were able to slip through the pass and catch flights to testify this week, but would prefer they email or call their concerns when travel is this dangerous.
“This has been a pretty epic storm,” Dye said. “If you can’t make it, make the safe choice and just call.”
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