Pendleton, Oregon – A prolonged and potentially dangerous winter storm is setting up across the Oregon and Washington mountains, raising serious concerns for travel from late Monday night through Thursday afternoon as heavy snow and low visibility develop across key pass routes.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for the Northern Blue Mountains, the east slopes of the Oregon Cascades, and both the upper and lower slopes of the eastern Washington Cascades. Snow totals of 20 to 30 inches are possible over the duration of the event, with the highest amounts expected along the Washington Cascades crest and Oregon Cascade passes.
Communities and travel corridors near Sisters, La Pine, Camp Sherman, Tollgate, Meacham, Ski Bluewood Resort, Cle Elum, Easton, Cliffdell, and Sunriver are likely to experience extremely hazardous conditions. Bridges, overpasses, and mountain highways could become slick quickly, while periods of heavy snowfall may sharply reduce visibility, especially at night.
The most dangerous travel conditions are expected from Tuesday evening through Wednesday night as snowfall intensifies. Officials strongly urge delaying all non-essential travel in affected mountain areas. If travel cannot be avoided, drivers should carry chains, winter survival supplies, and plan for long delays.
The storm is expected to gradually wind down Thursday afternoon, but lingering snow and poor road conditions may persist. Forecasters warn that the watch could be upgraded to warnings as confidence in snowfall amounts increases, and additional advisories are likely as the system unfolds.
