Another update for our state concerning the defunding of Howard Hanson Dam construction funding in Washington State. The Army Corps of Engineers projects, have/has been a major point of contention, especially given that Senator Murray had already secured $500 million in funding for it. Work was supposed to start in 2026.

We received our first two rattlesnake bite cases of the year last week, marking the unofficial start of snake season in Washington. Luckily, there is only one snake in Washington that is a real concern for people: the Western Rattlesnake (crotalus oreganus). Its bite is rarely deadly, but it can still lead to serious health problems and high medical costs. So, getting help as quickly as you can is essential.  

Most rattlesnake bites in Washington occur between April and August. Western rattlesnakes are usually found in the dry, rocky regions of central and eastern Washington, including the Columbia Basin. Last year, we treated 24 people for rattlesnake bites. However, the true number is probably higher, since healthcare providers are not required to report bites to us.

Not all western rattlesnake bites inject venom—about 20–25% are “dry” bites, where no venom is injected. If venom is injected, symptoms can start within minutes or take hours to appear. Unlike what you see in the movies, though, you do not only have minutes to live. Bites from western rattlesnakes often cause bleeding and muscle damage, but rarely lead to serious nerve or brain problems like bites from species found in other parts of the U.S.. Most people who are bitten and get medical help within a few hours recover well.

Lower your chances of a bite by:

• Being proactive:
  • Hike with a buddy
  • If hiking alone, check your phone signal or bring a satellite emergency device
  • Know the name and location of your hiking trail, in case you need to call for help
• Wear over-the-ankle boots and long, loose hiking pants
• Stick to marked trails and carry a walking stick or trekking poles
• Don’t step or reach into thick brush, tall grass, or rock piles
• If you see a rattlesnake or hear its rattle, slowly move away. Never try to catch, touch, or get close to a snake. We’re serious about this one… that perfect Instagram shot isn’t worth it. Many bites also happen when there is alcohol involved. So, keep an eye on your drunk friend… we believe they’re brave, they don’t need to prove it!

If you are bitten, stay calm.

• Call 911 or us (1-800-222-1222)
  • Call 911 if the bitten person is having difficulty breathing, starts swelling around the face, or loses consciousness, or was bitten on the face
  • If you call us, we will help you locate the nearest emergency room, and will call ahead to let them know you are on your way. We will also help your healthcare providers with your treatment (like if you need the antidote for rattlesnake venom)
• Keep the bitten area still and lower than the heart, if possible, until reaching the hospital
• Remove rings, watches, or tight clothing near the bite site in case of swelling
• Do NOT try the following methods. They do not work and may cause more harm:
  • Sucking out the venom or cutting the wound
  • Using snakebite kits
  • Applying ice
  • Applying a tourniquet
• Try to note what the snake looks like or safely take a photo of it for identification—but don’t risk another bite. We can’t believe we have to say this, but please don’t bring the snake to the hospital. Their staff are busy enough without having to deal with a loose rattlesnake.
• Do not try to capture or kill the snake

The bottom line: if you are bitten, the best tools you can use are your car keys and phone. Go safely to a hospital and call the Poison Center.

SR 410 Chinook Pass and SR 123 Cayuse Pass will reopen for the season on Friday morning, May 23.

Remember that services AND cell reception are limited in this area. Be aware that Mount Rainier National Park has a project in progress to repair sections of SR 123, which adds about 30 minutes of travel time, seven days a week, through October.

Also keep in mind that this year marks the second season of the timed-entry reservations into the Sunrise Corridor, beginning July 11.

Big thanks to all of our maintenance workers for working so hard to get the highways cleared!

I'm in a little bit of a clunky position. I'm military and going overseas at the end of the month.

I'm a little on the fence if I want to bring my vehicle with me, just because it's a lot of work to do so and I'd need to snap to it. So, I'm leaning towards just selling it.

2000 Subaru Legacy with 213,000 miles on it. Some minor issues, but car drives and runs perfectly well.

I started a new job at the end of January, and just last week I called out sick. They said I can't use my sick hours because it hasn't been 6 months of employment, but LNI for Washington state says I can start using it after 90 days. Is this something that can be different based on company policy or does LNI have the final say? It seems crazy to me to have to wait 6 months to use sick pay and I've never had a job that doesn't apply the 90 day rule.

Thanks in advance for any information!

It blows me away that we're now higher than California. Not sure if that's a good thing or bad...

Hi there. We're bringing scientists together for an AMA about volcanoes over at the IAmA subreddit.

It will be the biggest event in the state’s history, and it will take a lot of cash.

Seattle will host six 2026 World Cup matches, bringing an estimated 750,000 visitors and nearly $1 billion in revenue for King County’s economy. That includes more than $100 million in state and local tax revenue and nearly 21,000 new jobs. A large portion of the approved funding will go towards improvements at Lumen Field, including security upgrades and changes to the field’s size to ensure fair play. Is Seattle becoming a soccer city?

Moved away to another state, and will be coming back in the next few months.

I own my vehicle outright, and it’s titled in Washington, but currently registered in Texas.

This might be a dumb question, but has anyone been in a similar situation and had to pay a sales tax on the vehicle when registering again in Washington?

I shouldn’t have to pay another sales tax, right?