us 2

Local residents and farmers have questioned why work is not being done 24 hours a day on the crucial east-to-west roadway.

The roadway originally closed late Monday afternoon, but then reopened to single lane traffic Monday night before closing down once again Tuesday afternoon.

The roadway is down to one lane between SR 172 to the west and SR 17 on the east end.

Wet snow and rain are being blamed for destabilizing snow, which is leading to extended avalanche danger through the stretch of highway.

Ice Fest in Leavenworth takes place Saturday and Sunday, while Winterfest in Lake Chelan starts its two weekend stretch on Friday.

Snow accumulations are projected to reach one-to-two inches in Wenatchee, but National Weather Service meteorologist Ken Daniel says there'll be more at higher elevations.

U.S. 2 reopened after crews from the Department of Transportation cleared 10 snow slides across the highway.

WSDOT spokesperson Lauren Loebsack said dangerous weather conditions are currently prohibiting crews from assessing the situations.

An ice storm closed down I-90 Snoqualmie Pass for about 24-hours heading into Christmas Day, while U.S. 2 Stevens Pass was closed for most of four days during and after the holiday weekend.

Commuters should also prepare for longer travel times due to traffic near the Stevens Pass summit, along with icy road conditions and increased snow.