wsdot snoqualmie rant

On my very first trip to the pass 10 years ago I almost got stuck on the ice in AWD rental 200' W of exit 52. A WSDOT dump truck dropping sand that I was following lost all traction. I was able to use the gas to slip sideways off the crown to the shoulder and make it to the exit. Welcome to Diving on Snoqualmie Pass

FYI per RCW 46.61.100 this is illegal when the flow of traffic is impeded by this move. Which is why the signs say "keep right except to pass"...

This is somewhat subjective, but the RWC also states that:  RWC 46.61.400 (1) No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing. 

Indeed. And neither law trumps the other, despite what honorary junior deputies may think

You are helping me to understand the logic of a kid that was jogging down the sidewalk. He bounded 90 deg left off the curb without looking 10 feet in front of my `12000 lb truck. He felt the proper thing to do was shout an indignant  "CROSS WALK!!!" while I tried to restart my heart. He was just trying to inform me of the legal code. OK to be dead or maimed if the laws is with you. I learned that in my new environment I need adapt and treat pedestrians like I would treat a deer back east. Not like your elk who tend to look both ways or at least pause.
You may find me in the right lane when I need it for my safety. I'm probably looking 10 or more cars ahead of what you are seeing and I'm reacting to that.

I hope some day to be confronted face to face by someone who felt I was slowing them up. I would love to hand them a quarter as fair compensation for the time they were delayed. 

I understand though, that every second of delay on the way to or from skiing, seems like hours in some brains. I am aware that the mental syndrome exists and guard for that.

In regards to the Stevens traffic Sunday night...

I don't think WSDOT can move Avy control to when it's convenient, it has to happen when it has to happen. It'd be way more comfortable for their workers to do it in the summer when it's warm, but don't think that will fly either....

I know WSDOT and WSP work really hard and put themselves on the line every day so we can all be idiots and drive up into the mountains during blizzards for great skiing. I appreciate it.

I will say that sometimes WSP doesn't always make great traffic decisions, both as a user and a former WSDOT traffic engineer. Our car was stopped by WSP in the middle of Highway 2 to ask about another car stuck on the shoulder about a half mile back, with a queue of who knows how many cars behind us, adding even more to the delay.

Also, clearing the ski area parking lots before clearing the queue on a major roadway? Clearing the lots blocks both lanes of traffic. Also, some people in the highway line were undoubtably about to run out of gas on the highway if they were stuck to long... get them out of there before they add to the chaos and then clear the lots.

7 hours home from Yodelin...... still unquestionably worth it.

We saw more than a few 2 wheel drive cars w/o chains trying to get through the "chains required" pass Sunday night. Sliding all over the road. These idiots weren't helping anything.