Roslyn, Washington – Snow will begin piling up across the eastern slopes of the Washington Cascades before sunrise Monday, setting the stage for increasingly dangerous mountain travel that could intensify into a multi-day snowstorm later this week.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 5 a.m. Monday through 5 p.m. Tuesday for the upper slopes of the Eastern Washington Cascades Crest, including Roslyn and Easton. Snowfall totals between 8 and 14 inches are expected during this first phase, while wind gusts could reach 40 mph along exposed mountain terrain.
The system is expected to strengthen late Tuesday night as a Winter Storm Watch takes effect through Friday morning. Forecasters warn that an additional 2 to 4 feet of snow could accumulate across the higher elevations, with winds potentially gusting up to 55 mph. Those conditions could produce blowing snow and periods of very low visibility.
Mountain routes across the Cascades, including areas surrounding Snoqualmie Pass and nearby high-elevation corridors, may experience extremely difficult travel conditions as snowfall rates increase.
Washington transportation officials advise delaying non-essential mountain travel if possible and checking road updates at wsdot.wa.gov/travel before heading out. Drivers who must travel should carry tire chains, blankets, water, and emergency supplies in case conditions worsen quickly.
Additional warnings or upgraded alerts are possible as the stronger storm develops later this week.
