Portland, OR – Travel through the Oregon Cascades could become nearly impossible within hours Tuesday afternoon as a powerful late-season snowstorm targets key mountain passes with up to 20 inches of accumulation.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Tuesday afternoon through late Wednesday night for elevations above 3,500 feet across the North Oregon Cascades, Lane County Cascades, and into the South Washington Cascades. Snow totals between 10 and 20 inches are possible, with wind gusts reaching 45 mph.
Santiam Pass, Government Camp, and Willamette Pass are all in the core impact zone, where heavy snowfall rates could quickly cover roadways. Bridges and overpasses along routes like U.S. 26 and OR-22 are expected to freeze first, creating slick conditions during peak travel periods Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning.
Higher elevations near Mt. St. Helens, Indian Heaven Wilderness, and Waldo Lake could see the deepest totals, increasing the risk of stranded vehicles and delayed emergency response times. Travelers are urged to carry tire chains, extra food, water, and cold-weather gear.
Conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly Tuesday afternoon, with the heaviest snow falling overnight into Wednesday. Additional alerts or upgraded warnings are likely as confidence in snowfall totals increases.
