I-90 Closed for Epic Snowfall!

I don't understand! High avalanche danger, but 11 inches, and 70 miles of highway closed for the last 7+ hrs?

Edit: title of thread to a more accurate description of current conditions.

I hear they had an avalanche that partially buried a semi and a couple cars westbound near exit 47. Not sure why eastbound is closed though? Maybe they don't want a bunch of cars/trucks stranded up at the top of the pass?

It really is amazing that the DOT does not seem to be on top of the snow situation. I grew up in Colorado where they could keep several mountain passes open on I-70 during any given storm, yet WSDOT can't keep one pass open. What gives?

It really is amazing that the DOT does not seem to be on top of the snow situation. I grew up in Colorado where they could keep several mountain passes open on I-70 during any given storm, yet WSDOT can't keep one pass open. What gives?

I'm sure there's several factors involved, but ... first one that comes to mind:  maybe the huge difference in average annual snowfall might have something to do with it?
???

The DOT has already blown the budget for the season also.  To the tune of "close to $1 million overspent statewide,"  this was dated the 14th of this month....sheesh...whats does a days closure co$t....or $ave?

DoubleE~
Not sure that's it. According to WSDOT, Snoqualmie Pass has averaged 410" for the last 5 years. While Vail's website claims an average annual snowfall of 346". Loveland claims an annual snowfall of 400".
That means Snoqualmie gets 18% more snow than Vail and a measly 2.5% more than Loveland. There are certainly parts of Washington that receive much more snow than Colorado, but it's not on I-90.

Just FYI, Wolf Creek gets 465" annually. It's not on an interstate, but that number rivals Stevens and Crystal.