Spokane, Washington – Mountain travel across central and eastern Washington could become extremely difficult beginning early Tuesday as a powerful winter storm delivers prolonged heavy snow to Stevens Pass, the Cascade crest, and portions of the Blue Mountains. Snowfall rates approaching an inch per hour may quickly overwhelm roads and sharply reduce visibility.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from early Tuesday morning through Thursday afternoon for western Chelan County, including Stevens Pass, Stehekin, and Holden Village. Snow totals of 2 to 4 feet are expected at higher elevations, with gusty winds up to 30 mph contributing to blowing snow. Even lower-elevation areas near Stehekin could see 6 to 12 inches through Thursday.
Additional warnings extend into north Idaho and southeastern Washington. In the central Idaho Panhandle mountains, including Lookout Pass, Wallace, Kellogg, and Mullan, snow totals of 8 to 18 inches are expected above 3,000 feet through Wednesday morning. The northeast Blue Mountains near Peola and Anatone could see up to a foot of snow above 3,500 feet, with hazardous driving conditions likely Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning.
Drivers are urged to delay travel if possible, carry emergency supplies, and check WSDOT or Idaho 511 for the latest road conditions. Winter storm warnings remain in effect through midweek, and conditions may worsen quickly during heavier snow bands.
