Sisters, Ore. – Mountain travel across the Oregon Cascades will turn hazardous within hours as steady snow begins around 1 a.m. Saturday and continues through the evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 1 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST Saturday for the east slopes of the Oregon Cascades, including Sisters, Sunriver, La Pine and Camp Sherman. Snow totals of 4 to 7 inches are expected. North Central Oregon, including Moro, Dufur and Maupin, will see 1 to 3 inches between 4 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday.
Farther north, advisories stretch into Washington’s Simcoe Highlands and the eastern slopes of the Cascades crest from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Communities such as Goldendale, Cle Elum and Roslyn could see 3 to 8 inches, with wind gusts up to 35 mph creating reduced visibility and drifting snow, especially above 2,000 feet.
Highways including U.S. 20 near Santiam Pass and U.S. 97 south of Bend may become snow-covered quickly. Drivers should slow down, carry winter gear and check tripcheck.com in Oregon or wsdot.wa.gov/travel in Washington before heading out.
Snowfall is expected to taper late Saturday night, but slick conditions may linger into early Sunday. Additional advisories could be expanded if heavier bands develop.
