NORTH BEND, Wash.  — Snow-covered roads are causing a rash of problems for motorists through the Cascade Range and in parts of Eastern Washington.

Driving conditions are treacherous at Snoqualmie Pass Tuesday morning.  On Interstate 90, traction tires are required for both eastbound and westbound traffic and speeds have slowed to 45 mph during the 6 a.m. hour.

Compact snow and ice on Interstate 90 is forcing truck drivers like Steve McNemar to chain up.

"Don't really like to do it, but don't have much choice," said McNemar.

The Washington State Patrol has a chain checkpoint near the summit after series of accidents and spinouts closed westbound traffic for almost an hour Monday night on I-90. Troopers had to clear jackknifed tricks which failed to negotiate the slick freeway.

McNemar knows it will be a long day ahead.

"Looks like gonna be like this for another 60-70 miles," said McNemar.  "Gonna be a long day."

Washington State Patrol officials are confident they can handle the snow falling on the roads today with the new equipment they have.

Lowland snow

Parts of Snohomish County also got a taste of winter.  Roads were covered with a slushy mess of rain and snow Monday night, catching a lot of people off guard.

Snohomish County officials are keeping an eye on things, but they say conditions aren't bad enough Tuesday morning to require any emergency services yet. 

The snow also fell at lower elevations, including Bremerton.  Viewers in Kitsap County reported snow sticking during the ground during their evening commute, then tapering off.

Eastern Washington

The first snow storm of the season moved into the Inland Northwest late Monday and early Tuesday morning, dropping at least two inches of snow on Spokane. Areas to the east, including Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint, received a few inches more.

Interstate 82 in Yakima also closed Monday night in both directions due to snow on the road.

In Spokane city and county, the State Patrol reported 14 crashes on highways and I-90, and local authorities reported about a dozen other crashes and spinouts. Most wrecks have been minor and no major injuries reported.

Oregon

In Oregon, several semi trucks crashed Monday morning, causing ODOT to close off Interstate 84 west of The Dalles. 

The crashes were not serious, but snow was coming down and ODOT has to take the time to get them right up. ODOT officials say Intestate 84 westbound near The Dalles will be closed for another hour or two until 8 a.m.