The 69-Mile Chain Zone
Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 has the longest chain zone in Washington state: 69 continuous miles from North Bend (MP 32) to Ellensburg (MP 101). When chain requirements are posted, every commercial vehicle over 10,000 lbs must have chains installed. The fine for non-compliance is $500 — one of the highest in the West.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Chain Zone Start | MP 32 (North Bend) |
| Chain Zone End | MP 101 (Ellensburg) |
| Summit Elevation | 3,022 ft |
| Fine | $500 |
| Oversize Loads | PROHIBITED during chain conditions |
Key Enforcement Points
Washington State Patrol actively checks vehicles at the North Bend base near the eastern chain zone entry. Expect enforcement checks during any active chain requirement. WSP does not give warnings — they give $500 tickets.
Chain-Up Areas
WSDOT maintains designated chain-up areas along the corridor. Pull off at designated areas only — stopping on the highway to chain up is dangerous and can result in additional citations.
Important Rules
- Studded tires do NOT count as chains. You must carry and install actual chains even if you have studded tires.
- Studded tire season: November 1 through March 31
- Chain placement: At least two front OR two rear tires
- Oversize loads: Completely prohibited during chain conditions. Plan alternative timing.
Alternative Mountain Passes
If Snoqualmie is closed or conditions are severe, these alternatives exist but all have their own challenges:
| Pass | Route | Elevation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stevens Pass | US-2 | 4,061 ft | Higher elevation, steeper grades |
| White Pass | US-12 | 4,500 ft | Highest in Washington, most remote |
| Blewett Pass | US-97 | 4,064 ft | North-south route, steep |
All alternative passes have chain requirements when conditions warrant. There is no chain-free route across the Cascades in winter.
Real-Time Conditions
Washington does NOT use the 511 system. Use WSDOT resources instead:
- WSDOT Mountain Pass Report: wsdot.com/travel/real-time/mountainpasses/Snoqualmie
- WSDOT Travel Alerts: Sign up for email/text notifications
- WSDOT App: Real-time camera feeds and conditions
Washington DOT has confirmed API access for dynamic road condition data.
Connecting Corridors
- Eastbound from Snoqualmie: I-90 continues through Ellensburg and Spokane to the Idaho panhandle, where Lookout Pass and Fourth of July Pass have their own chain requirements.
- Westbound: I-90 descends into Seattle metro where lane restrictions and port access apply.
- Oregon chain comparison: Oregon activates statewide; Washington focuses on specific passes but with higher fines.
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