Pendleton, OR – Travel across Oregon’s Cascade passes could become dangerous within hours as heavy snow ramps up Wednesday night, reducing visibility and quickly covering roadways before the Thursday morning drive.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the eastern slopes of the Oregon Cascades, with the heaviest snowfall expected overnight into early Thursday. Confidence is high, around 95 percent, that mountain passes will receive at least 2 inches of snow, with a 20 to 30 percent chance of totals exceeding 6 inches.
Santiam Pass and nearby routes are expected to see the most significant impacts, where snowfall rates could intensify rapidly after midnight. Road conditions may deteriorate quickly along key corridors, including OR-22 and US-20, with compact snow and reduced visibility likely through the early morning hours.
Drivers are urged to delay non-essential travel, carry tire chains, and check TripCheck or WSDOT for real-time road conditions. Sudden changes in visibility and traction could lead to spinouts or closures in higher elevations.
Snowfall will begin to taper later Thursday morning, but hazardous travel conditions may linger into midday. Additional advisories remain possible as conditions evolve.
