Winter Storm — East Slopes Northern Cascades, Washington

2021-02-25 to 2021-02-27 · East Slopes Northern Cascades, Washington

Event narrative

There was heavy snowfall and ice coverage in the eastern Cascades, which led to pass closures, dangerous road conditions, and snow slides. US-2 Highway at Stevens Pass was closed on February 25th night due to the slide which covered the roadway. There were 27 inches of new snow accumulation at the pass on February 25th and 26th. The Washington Department of Transportation reported ice covered power lines were hanging less than 12 feet from the roads and led to further closures.

Wider weather episode

There was another round of mountain snow and winds across the eastern Cascades on February 25th and 26th. Additional snow pack in the Cascades, with the strong winds, created further avalanche danger and it was urged to avoid backcountry travel. Ice accumulation on roads and surfaces created hazardous travel conditions and road closures. The snow continued into the evening of February 26th, but much lighter.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 944949. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.