Portland, OR – A late-season mountain snowstorm is set to blanket the central Oregon Cascades starting early Wednesday, bringing up to a foot and a half of snow and hazardous travel across key mountain passes.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, a Winter Storm Warning will take effect at 5 a.m. Wednesday and remain in place until 5 p.m. Thursday for the Cascades of Lane, Marion, and Linn counties. Snow totals between 10 and 18 inches are expected across higher elevations, including Santiam Pass, Willamette Pass, McKenzie Pass, Tombstone Summit, and Santiam Junction.
Snow will steadily increase through Wednesday morning before becoming heavier across the mountains later in the day. Winds could gust up to 35 mph along exposed ridges, which may reduce visibility and cause drifting snow in open areas.
Travel through the Cascades may become difficult, particularly on Highways 20, 22, 126, and 58, which cross the region’s main mountain passes. Transportation officials warn slick conditions could develop quickly on bridges and overpasses, especially during the Wednesday morning and evening travel periods.
Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and consider postponing mountain trips until conditions improve. Anyone heading into the mountains should carry emergency supplies in their vehicle. Backcountry recreation is strongly discouraged as conditions deteriorate.
Snow is expected to taper late Thursday afternoon, though slick roads and lingering impacts may continue into Thursday night.
