So...back in Washington. Need to drive to Walla Walla to visit my parents. However, wsdot is saying chains on all vehicles required- which is usually not a good sign. I do have chains but that requirement usually means I'd rather not be driving. I'm worried about ice in the gorge, and usually Stevens is worse than snoqualmie. Has anyone driven any of these routes recently- west to east?

I was really hoping I'd missed the white stuff. No such luck

The gorge had received a lot of snow lately, but the ice is gone. The ice made it a mess last weekend, but our weather has changed drastically over the last 2-3 days. This is over around Hood River, where we have been. When are you going? We will be heading to Hood River again this weekend, I can give you an updated report if you are going after that. I did see that Snoqualmie chains requirement. Yes, when it is that bad it is best to just stay put, IMO.

ASAP. Thinking of flying but hate to spend the money. Snoqualmie is now closed due to avalanche threat so yes, would appreciate the gorge update no matter where I am. Thanks!

I am beginning to yearn for the snowlessness of last year...and I've only been home a day lol.

MM--Will do. One of DH's employees lives in Hood River and made the drive up to the office in Redmond yesterday again. He drives a Prius and was fine, FWIW. He did not go over the pass though, but came through the gorge.

Todays eastbound Empire Builder is sold out! Tomorrow you can get the Emipre Builder out of Wishram to Pasco at 6:55PM.
Wishram to Pasco is about 2 hours on the train.

that occurred to me...but it would mean not only a four hour drive and leaving my car at wishram but also risking getting stuck in T-C (black ice on that highway is common and terrifying). Thanks, though!