Snowfall forces early closure of Chinook Pass for the season

Heavy snowfall has led to the seasonal closure of SR 410 Chinook Pass over Mount Rainier, significantly affecting cross-state travel options. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) made this decision due to safety concerns, particularly the heightened risk of avalanches after two feet of snow fell over the weekend. Chinook Pass is a vital travel route during winter, and with its closure, only Stevens Pass and Snoqualmie Pass remain open. The pass, located at 5,430 feet, will not reopen until spring when conditions are deemed safe. WSDOT encourages travelers to regularly check mountain pass conditions through their website and app and to prepare for winter travel by packing emergency kits and ensuring their vehicles are winter-ready.

This closure continues a trend of early seasonal shutdowns, similar to last year's closure on November 10.