Pendleton, OR – Travel above 4,500 feet in the Oregon Cascades could turn hazardous before sunrise Wednesday as heavy snow and 40 mph wind gusts reduce visibility and cover highways in several inches of accumulation.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday for the east slopes of the Oregon Cascades, including Sisters, Camp Sherman, La Pine and Sunriver. Forecasters expect 5 to 9 inches of snow at higher elevations, with gusty winds strong enough to blow snow across roadways and create brief whiteout conditions.
Highways 20, 22 and 126 near Santiam Pass and surrounding mountain routes could see rapid accumulation through the morning and afternoon. Blowing snow may reduce visibility below a quarter-mile at times, especially during heavier bursts midday. Bridges and exposed stretches will freeze first.
Drivers should slow down, allow extra braking distance and check TripCheck.com or call 511 before departure for updated road and chain restriction information. Conditions should gradually improve after 10 p.m. Wednesday, though lingering snow showers could keep mountain travel slick into early Thursday.
