The overnight snowfall may not have been the 2-6 inches forecasters warned us about, but there is a very light dusting of snow on the ground in Queen Anne this morning. The forecast calls for anywhere from a trace to 2 inches more later today.
With the temperature currently at 26 degrees, commuters are advised to keep an eye out for ice. Metro buses are on snow routes this morning, and Microsoft has canceled all its Connector routes. Here’s SDOT’s first report this AM:
Most city streets are bare and wet this morning. Crews from the Seattle Department of Transportation are treating major arterial streets to guard against the formation of ice in advance of the morning commute period. Snowfall last night was highly variable around the city. Beacon Hill, southern Rainier Valley, and higher parts of West Seattle appear to have had the most snow.
WSDOT crews have been busy treating the freeways. For the most part, traffic is moving smoothly. You can check the latest WSDOT traffic updates, the flow map and the full set of WSDOT cameras.
Metro Transit is gearing up for possible snow this afternoon by chaining up buses and planning to move from regular routes to snow routes.
Metro buses will move to snow routing as travel conditions change. When buses move to snow routes, it will be announced through Transit Alerts and on the Metro Online website. Check the status for your route before you travel.
Metro is using an online color-coded map to keep riders informed of the status of its bus service. All bus routes are assigned into one or more of seven geographic areas within King County. When there is snow or ice on the roads, the service status of each area will be color coded and displayed on the online map. Green indicates buses are operating on normal routes; yellow that some – but not all – routes in the area are on snow routes (primarily in higher elevation areas); and red tells you that all bus routes in the entire geographic area are on snow routing.
People without online access can call the Customer Information Office at (206) 553-3000. General information about service will also be sent out via the kcmetrobus Twitter account.
Expect buses to be crowded and significantly delayed when on snow routes and travel is difficult. Also, many people may leave work early today, so take that into consideration in deciding when to travel. Metro encourages people to limit travel if possible if roads become snowy and icy.
While there were only a few hours of stop-and-go snow flurries on the hill yesterday, with little stick, forecasts (from the Weather Service, Cliff Mass, and KING 5) for today are all calling for anywhere from 2 to 6 inches of snowfall in the Seattle area. As a result, a winter storm watch took effect beginning at 4 a.m. this morning.
In preparation for a big snowfall today, the City of Seattle has also activated its snow plan. Early in the morning, ten snow plows hit the north end of the city. At 9 a.m., the Seattle Department of Transportation went into “full 24-hour response plan to keep roads open, buses moving and critical emergency services accessible,” Rick Sheridan of SDOT writes. More from the release:
The response plan calls for deploying 30 trucks with plows, which will be prepositioned throughout the city in key locations such as elevated structures and certain trouble spots on major arterials. The department starting pre-treating major roadways with salt brine this afternoon in preparation for the storm. Additional details concerning SDOT’s response will be forthcoming as more information about the impending storm becomes available.
SDOT also reminds property owners that they are responsible for the sidewalks in front of their properties.
Mayor Mike McGinn says this storm could be like that of November 22, 2010. “Because Wednesday afternoon’s commute is expected to be difficult,” McGinn writes in a statement, “It may be a good day to work an alternate shift, telecommute or make other travel arrangements if possible.”
Metro Transit is also urging passengers to be prepared for the snow.
Wednesday’s snowfall may start out light in some areas, but transit users should plan ahead for bus trips that could be disrupted, delayed, and on snow routing. Even though weather in the morning may not be bad in your area, you should leave from a bus stop or park-and-ride that also has service when buses are on snow routes in case travel conditions deteriorate by the afternoon commute.
It’s snowing in Queen Anne, as of 1:20 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, but before you get too excited, the snowfall is not expected to stick. For the last week, forecasters have been predicting snow. Well, it’s here, at least for now.
According to the National Weather Service, “expect brief and local accumulations of slushy snow to occur through early Wednesday morning. This is likely to occur on hills above about 500 feet this morning and above 300 feet tonight and early Wednesday morning.” A “winter storm watch” is in effect from Wednesday morning to Thursday morning. A winter storm watch means conditions are favorable for severe winter weather.
UW Atmospheric Science professor and weather blogger Cliff Mass is predicting that this storm will dump two to five inches of snow in north Seattle. “Good news for commuters and SDOT tomorrow,” Mass writes, “Temperatures will remain above freezing, SO NO SOLID ICE LAYER like Nov 22, 2010.”
Reader Ann V sent us a link (via KING5) to this video of a snowboarder who recorded his run down Queen Anne Ave N using a camera attached to a pole, which he held out in front of him as he traversed the icy hillside. No need for a second camera man here!
Though the snow didn’t cause nearly the same amount of chaos on the hill as last time, there were still a few minor incidents of cars slipping around on the ice, and sometimes up on the curbs.
Madeleine sent us this picture of a car that slid up onto the sidewalk, taken at Queen Anne Ave N and W Armour Stat around 9 p.m. on Tuesday.
Street Maintenance crews worked throughout the night clearing up to six inches of wet snow and slush from major arterial streets around the city. This morning crews are clearing slush that remains on some arterial streets, especially at the tops of hills. Also, more than 30 SDOT employees are clearing street corners in high priority areas such as around hospitals and in business districts.
SDOT asks drivers to use caution when driving where there is still slush on the roadway making the streets slippery, and to be on the lookout for standing water. Residents and businesspersons are asked to check the drains near their homes and businesses to make sure the drains are not blocked by debris so that water can enter easily. Also, residents and businesspersons are encouraged to clear slush from the sidewalks around their property to enable pedestrians to pass by safely.
As predicted, the snow has turned to rain, making for a slushy mess on the roads.
Things to know before you go:
Seattle Public Schools are running two hours late. Schools that had previously scheduled early dismissal (McClure Middle School) will release students at the regular time.
King County Metro Transit is updating this site with changes to bus service.
King Count Metro (@kcmetrobus) tweeted this alert:
Most Metro service on snow routes Wed AM thru 9 AM due to snowy/slushy roads. Expect some delays. Dress warm.
Updated 10:30 p.m.: All King Country Metro buses are now on snow routes. The Seattle Department of Transportation has announced that it will begin to transition to plowing snow routes as they continue to spread salt throughout the city. Though it is still falling hard out there, there is some good news, at least for those who face a morning commute—forecasters expect the snow to transition to rain sometime between midnight and 10 a.m. Wednesday. For the time being, however, Queen Anne Avenue and West Olympic/10th Avenue W are just a few streets drivers should avoid.
If you’re still planning to head up or down the hill tonight, you might want to find a way around Queen Anne Avenue. Just after 9 p.m. this evening the Counterbalance claimed its first victim of tonight’s snowy slope when a vehicle lost control and went over the curb of the southwest corner of Queen Anne Ave N and Aloha.
Remember, if you have to head up the Counterbalance as the snow piles up tonight, use four-wheel drive and/or chains, keep distance from other cars, and be careful. If you can, take another way up the south slope (5th Ave N or Olympic to 10th Ave W). And if you’re parking on the slope tonight, try to find as flat of a space as possible, and don’t forget to turn your wheels into the curb.
We’ve been hearing talk of snow over the last few days. The latest forecast says that anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of snow could be heading our way, beginning after 4 p.m. today and changing to rain after midnight.
The National Weather Service is giving out a bit of interesting advise to help avoid mayhem on the streets: “People should seriously consider finishing their afternoon commute early today if at all possible.” Metro Transit is also warning folks to plan ahead, considering the likelihood that afternoon and evening bus routes will be disrupted. We’ll keep you updated as we hear more.
We’re expecting some snow later in the day on Tuesday and it’s likely to start accumulating during the afternoon commute. King County Metro Transit wants to remind you that your afternoon commute might look a lot different than your morning one.
They have passed along the following tips to make your commute run smoother in case of weather issues.
Before traveling, riders should check www.kingcounty.gov/metro/snow for the most current status of Metro service. Updates to the online information begin as early as 4 a.m. and continue as needed until the storm is over.
Know the snow routing for your bus route. Check the timetables at www.metro.kingcounty.gov for snow route maps for each route. Not every bus route has snow routing, but most do
If you haven’t already, sign up for Transit Alerts to keep up with any major changes to bus service. The alerts can be received as email or text messages. Go to www.metro.kingcounty.gov/signup to subscribe
Metro is using a new online color-coded map to keep riders informed of the status of its bus service, which can be found online at: www.metro.kingcounty.gov/snow. All bus routes are assigned into one or more of seven geographic areas within King County. When there is snow or ice on the roads, the service status of each area will be color coded and displayed on the online map. Green indicates buses are operating on normal routes; yellow that some – but not all – routes in the area are on snow routes (primarily in higher elevation areas); and red tells you that all bus routes in the entire geographic area are on snow routing
People without online access can call the Customer Information Office at (206) 553-3000. General information about service will also be sent out via the kcmetrobus Twitter account
Light snow is falling again around the neighborhood, but this time it’s cold enough to stick. “The flurries should only dust a few spots this morning with less that an inch accumulations,” says KING 5 Meteorologist Rich Marriott.
The major thoroughfares in Queen Anne are just wet, and traffic is moving well. Check the Queen Anne-area traffic cams to get a feel for the conditions.
Meanwhile, the latest forecast run for tomorrow night is “1 to 4 inches” in the lowlands, with snow turning to rain by Wednesday afternoon.
If you’re trekking around the hill today or have caught a glimpse out the nearest window, odds are you’ve noticed that it’s snowing here in Queen Anne. Though the temperature’s a bit too high for anything to stick (at 37 degrees as of 3:30 this afternoon), we’re seeing a pretty substantial mix of snow and rainfall in the neighborhood.
While no accumulation is expected for today’s snow showers, forecasters are looking ahead to Tuesday night and Wednesday, where a significant snow event could be in play.
As is typical here in Seattle, the forecast keeps shifting. At first, UW meteorologist Cliff Mass suggested it could be a historic snow event. Then he backed off as forecasts showed it heading north, perhaps into Vancouver. Now the Weather Service says the model has it shifting a little more south, which could bring 4 inches or more in the Seattle area. “It’s still way too early to know what scenario will play out,” says the Weather Service.
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is preparing for the possibility of snow and ice on city streets again tomorrow. The forecast, which outlines temperatures just above freezing overnight tonight, could bring up to one-half inch of wet snow and the possibility of an additional inch of snow Wednesday morning.
After 10 p.m. tonight SDOT crews will proactively apply salt brine in roadway areas where frost or black ice is prone to develop, especially on bridges and other elevated structures around the city.
Starting at 4 a.m. tomorrow morning (Wednesday), SDOT spreader trucks will be prepositioned throughout the city, ready to spread rock salt on major arterial streets (primary snow routes, Levels 1 and 2) for the morning commute if conditions warrant.
SDOT’s snow plan calls for plowing when there is more than one inch of snow accumulated on roadways, which is not part of the forecast at this time.
Despite the potential for snow, University of Washington atmospheric scientist Cliff Mass says the likelihood that we’ll see a repeat of the snow and severe ice that blasted us on Thanksgiving week is low. He writes on his blog:
This is a VERY, VERY different situation than November 22nd. You will not see a powerful arctic blast associated with strong high pressure in British Columbia and a major coastal low over SW Washington. Temperatures will be far more marginal. Far less icing potential. But there COULD be some interesting wrinkles….like a chance for Puget Sound Convergence Zone snow.
Cliff estimates that “where precipitation is heavy enough, some snow showers could reach the surface, but nothing substantial.”
If the Convergence Zone is stronger than forecast then more snow could hit the Puget Sound lowlands. However, forecast temperatures are predicted to peak near 40F on Wednesday. This looks marginal to me…only heavy precipitation and the cooling associated with it…something that is not predicted… could bring several inches of snow to Seattle.
We will continue to monitor the evolution of this event, but right now it does not look serious event near sea level. Eastern suburbs could get few inches. Not an icing situation during the day…
Elementary students and those in K-8 schools will not have to make up last week’s two snow days, while high school students will have to attend classes for two extra days next summer, the district announced today.
The decision was made that no make-up days are needed for the younger students because “students were not scheduled to be in classes those two days – instead, parent-teacher conferences were planned for those days.” Those conferences will be rescheduled. “Our goal is that 100% of parent-teacher conferences are completed before winter break. Schools will be scheduling a combination of Saturday, late afternoon and evening opportunities to accomplish this,” the release from the district states. “The decision about this scheduling will be agreed by the school, please watch for announcements from your principal or teacher.” The last day of school for elementary students and K-8 students will be June 21st.
Two days will be tacked onto the end of the school year for the older kids, who were scheduled to be in class. The last day of school for middle and high school students will now be June 23rd.
Update: 9:15 a.m.: Snow plows are still traveling Queen Anne hill, de-icing roads for the holiday.
Happy Thanksgiving Queen Anne! I have some exciting turkey day news to report: Late last night, while sleepily putting the finishing touches on my pumpkin pie, I heard a strange noise coming from the street. At first I thought another car had attempted to drive up Queen Anne Avenue, despite the ice, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a large SDOT snow plow backing up the Counterbalance.
And by 8 a.m. this morning, the Counterbalance was relatively clear of the icy mess that has made it so dangerous to drive on these last few days (though there are still a few stranded cars that haven’t yet been retrieved).
For those of us who thought we might just be stuck on the hill for Thanksgiving, it’s a tiny miracle, courtesy of the folks over at SDOT!
In other Thanksgiving Day news, there has already been a little snow more snow in Queen Anne today. But the 30 degree temperature is expected to get as high as 40, and bring with it some rain.
If you’re busing to your Thanksgiving meals today, Metro is running on a Sunday schedule on snow routes today, and reduced weekday service tomorrow.
Happy Thanksgiving! I’m thankful for snow plows. Let us know what you’re thankful for in the comments below.
Due to cold temperatures yesterday and overnight, much of the ice packed onto the slopes of Queen Anne has not yet had a chance to melt.
Intersection of Queen Anne Ave N and Roy St at around 8 a.m. Wednesday.
While many of the main roads in and around the neighborhood have thawed, the Counterbalance remains closed to traffic, with many cars still stuck in the ice.
With a record-breaking low temperature of 14 degrees at Sea-Tac overnight, the forecast for today calls for highs in the upper 20s to low 30s. Here are some quick notes on what this means for Queen Anne:
Seattle Schools are closed again today. No school and no activities.
No residential garbage, yard waste or recycling pick-ups Wednesday, November 24. If today is your collection day, you can put double the trash out next week.
Early this morning the University of Washington decided to cancel all classes. Essential services remain open.
Libraries will be open from noon to 5 p.m. today.
Metro Transit is once again running on snow routes—Queen Anne-ers take note that while many buses may not be going up and down the hill, Metro does have a few snow shuttles in place to tackle the ice. Details here.
SDOT continues working to prevent freezing on snow routes:
Currently the City has 17 trucks with salt spreaders and two flusher trucks deployed.
Snow routes are in good condition.
There was no significant re-freezing of cleared roadways during the past 24 hours.
There are no significant problems on the snow route network.
The Alaskan Way Viaduct and the West Seattle High Rise Bridge are bare and dry.
Focus is on reopening closed roads. The Seattle Police Department and SDOT are working to review roads currently closed and will update the list online.
The City will continue the same level of deployed vehicles for the morning commute; focus will be on efforts to prevent re-freezing, address trouble spots on Level 3 routes, and bring more roads off the closed list.
Because of the possibility of precipitation today leading to the formation of black ice tonight, some roads will remain closed.
24 hour shifts will continue through Thursday, November 25.
Update 9:30 a.m.: Here are some more pictures of the snowy chaos, many which were submitted by neighbors around Queen Anne!
Looking toward Ballard & Fremont from the north slope of Queen Anne. 11.23.2010. Photo courtesy of Bruce Swee.
Looking east toward the Aurora Bridge. 11.23.2010. Photo courtesy of Bruce Swee.
Snow covered bushes. Photo courtesy of Florence Ondré.
Snow covered roses. Photo courtesy of Florence Ondré.
Snow angel. Photo courtesy of Florence Ondré.
Space Needle in the snow. Photo coutesy of Florence Ondré.
Snow lady enjoying her morning coffee at the corner of Queen Anne Ave N & Aloha.
Tow truck struggles to haul away one of the stranded cars on the Counterbalance.
Kids enjoy the day off from school, sledding down the Counterbalance on metal cookie sheets.
Remnants of a stranded car on the Counterbalance.
One of many cars crunched on the Counterbalance.
Stranded on the curb at Queen Anne Ave N and Prospect.
Sledding down the Counterbalance. 11.23.2010.
Climbing the Counterbalance. 11.23.2010.
Sledding on the ice, and pavement. 11.23.2010.
Four-car pile-up on Queen Anne Ave N and Ward. 11.23.2010.
Car stuck at the corner of Queen Anne Ave N & Aloha.
Sledding for two down the Counterbalance.
Sledding down the Counterbalance. 11.23.2010.
Intersection of Queen Anne Ave N and Mercer St. 11.23.2010.
The line at Caffe Ladro at the base of the Counterbalance. 11.23.2010.
Ice on the Counterbalance. 11.23.2010.
Walking the pup up the Counterbalance. 11.23.2010.
Queen Anne Ave N & Aloha, Monday night. Photo courtesy of David Engelstein.
Corner of W Comstock and 6th. Photo courtesy of Florence Ondré.
Snow closure. Photo courtesy of Mary Farmer.
Trekking the Counterbalance Monday night. Photo courtesy of Mary Farmer.
Sledding down the Counterbalance on Monday night. Photo courtesy of Mary Farmer.
The Counterbalance Monday night. Photo courtesy of Mary Farmer.
While only a few inches of snow fell on Queen Anne yesterday, it was enough to cover the Counterbalance, and many of the neighborhood’s other steep streets, in ice, and virtually prevent cars from going up and down the hill. Many of those that attempted to traverse the ice, turned the slopes into an icy, slippery bumper car arena (make sure to watch the videos).
This car was one of four in a five-car pile-up left overnight at Queen Anne Ave N and Ward St after sliding and crashing together late Monday night.
Today Queen Anne-ers wasted no time enjoying the ice before it melts off later today and tomorrow. Many neighbors have spent last night and today sledding down the hill, while weaving around the abandoned cars strewn across the road.
Sledders attempt to salvage the last of the ice on Queen Anne Ave N, swerving around the remaining cars that got stuck in the slippery mess Monday night.
As of 2 p.m. the Counterbalance was still closed to through traffic, however a few gutsy drivers have managed to move their cars off the hill by sliding down slowly and carefully.
And one tow truck managed to pick up one of the four cars that were still crunched together from the collision late last night (video here).
We’ll be posting a gallery of more Queen Anne snow fun (and chaos) pictures shortly. Have a pic or video you’d like to submit? Email us at tips@queenanneview.com, or post the link below.
Update 10:45 p.m. If there something that every Queen Anne resident knows, it’s not to drive up the Queen Anne Ave. hill in the snow. Just watch what happens with this Audi after it nearly reaches the top:
And that’s not all. Moments later, another Audi met the same fate. Watch here. Videos by JohnGoad via @markmurray98119.
Update 6:42 p.m.: Good thing the Counterbalance is finally closed to traffic, because there was quite an alarming pile up of cars stuck on the icy slope this evening, culminating when three cars (one a yellow taxi), all slipping independently, collided.
Pre-collision.
Post-collision.
We’re also hearing reports that many Metro bus routes servicing Queen Anne are no longer able to make stops on much of the hill. Check these route alerts here.
Update 5:18 p.m.: There have been reportedly two collisions along West Olympic/10th Ave W, however a reader says Taylor/5th Ave N is not too bad.
Update 5:01 p.m.: If you’re driving to the top of the hill tonight, avoid Queen Anne Ave N at all costs—there are now cars sliding around up and down the Counterbalance. At one point at around 4:55 p.m. there were five cars stuck at the intersection of Queen Anne Ave N and Aloha, about a third of the way up the hill. While most have made it through, many have had to turn around and slide back down the hill. If you’re not already on the Counterbalance, try to find another way home. Other suggested routes up the south slope: Taylor & 5th Ave N, and 10th Ave W.
If you’re planning to take Queen Anne Avenue home today, you might want to head back as soon as possible, because snow on the steep street is stacking up—and sticking.
While cars are still traveling up and down the Counterbalance regularly, in the last thirty minutes the pavement has quickly been powered with snow. It doesn’t look like the street will be open much longer.
On a more enthusiastic note, can someone say sledding tomorrow?
In the meantime, here’s how snow (and traffic) is looking at various points in and around Queen Anne.
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While there were only a few hours of 
