LIBERTY, Wash. — Heavy snow over the weekend forced the temporary closure of Blewett Pass in the Cascade Mountains, after multiple semi-trucks became disabled on U.S. 97, blocking both directions of traffic, officials said.

The closure began Sunday at milepost 164, where several trucks lost traction during the early-season snowstorm, according to Washington State Patrol District 6 Public Information Officer Jeremy Weber. “Time to get in our minds winter driving conditions,” Weber wrote on X, sharing photos of the snow-covered highway.

The National Weather Service (NWS) reported snowfall rates of up to one inch per hour in the area, with 4 to 10 inches of accumulation expected above 4,000 feet and as much as 2 inches possible near 3,000 feet in Chelan County. The agency expanded its winter weather advisories to nearly all Cascade passes over the weekend.

According to King 5 News, officials urged drivers to check mountain pass conditions before traveling as crews worked to clear snow and recover stranded vehicles, according to King 5 News.

By Monday morning, U.S. 97 Blewett Pass had reopened, with traction tires advised due to continuing slick conditions, according to the Washington State Patrol.