Avalanche dangers close 3 mountain passes in Washington

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Three major passes in Washington state were closed overnight due to avalanche dangers after heavy rain fell on a large snowpack from recent storms, state transportation officials said. Snoqualmie Pass along Interstate 90, Stevens Pass on U.S. Route 2 and White Pass on U.S. Route 12 were closed Sunday at 6 p.m. and remained closed Monday morning. It was unknown how long the pass would be closed. State Department of Transportation officials said they would reassess the dangers on Monday morning. On Interstate 90, traffic was stopped eastbound near North Bend, and westbound near Easton, Cle Elum and Ellensburg.