What to expect if you’re driving to Pullman for Apple Cup
Nov 24, 2016, 12:00 PM
Expect long wait times and snow as you head over the mountain passes this weekend for Apple Cup. (MyNorthwest)
(MyNorthwest)
Before they even see the stadium for Apple Cup, Husky and Cougar fans have a major challenge, which is the drive over the mountain passes to Pullman.
Heading west on I-90 after the game will be easier than driving east on Thanksgiving day or night, according to KIRO 7 meteorologist Nick Allard.
“You’re going to see areas of widespread rain in the lowlands,” he said. “Snow levels will hover in the 2,500- to 3,000-foot range – right in the bull’s eye on Snoqualmie. It won’t be the best snow, but you’ll see a lot of it — maybe six to 12 inches before Friday.”
Check the mountain pass webcams
Allard said another shot of snow comes on Friday into Saturday. Overall, we could see one to three feet of new snow before the end of day on Saturday.
Stevens Pass sits at a higher elevation, so drivers headed east on Highway 2 will see even more accumulation. But even six inches of snow and so many cars will create a potential harried situation on Snoqualmie Pass.
Trying to avoid snow will be tricky, but Allard says there may be a short window Thursday afternoon where you can see some dry times across the lowlands.
“If you haven’t left yet, conditions are not going to be great,” he said.
Pick the best time that works for you. Pack blankets, flares, boots, gloves, extra food, and things for the kids to do just in case you have to sit on the pass.
As for getting back to the Puget Sound area, Sunday looks dry, according to Allard. Originally, forecasters expected another system on Sunday, but conditions are clearing. Granted, even when it’s sunny, the Cle Elum area on I-90 can be frustrating to idle through.
This covers half of the drive, but what about Highway 26 through Washtucna, Colfax, etc.?
Allard explained the rain shadow will be in full effect, but there will be enough moisture that a few scattered showers will make their way across the Cascades and settle into the area for Thursday and Friday. Conditions will start to dry out on Saturday, and Sunday should be even drier.
“It shouldn’t be too bad, but we all know 26 isn’t fun in the first place, so any kind of slush could cause problems,” Allard said.
Send Chris a traffic tip at @KIROTraffic on Twitter or email him.
