Pendleton, Oregon – Snow will intensify over the mountains of eastern Oregon and southeast Washington by 7 p.m. tonight, creating low visibility and slick highways during the overnight drive. Anyone crossing the Blue Mountains or traveling along mountain stretches of Interstate 84 should prepare for chain requirements and reduced speeds through Thursday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, a Winter Weather Advisory takes effect at 7 p.m. for the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon and the Northwest Blue Mountains of Washington above 4,000 feet. Snow totals of 6 to 10 inches are expected by 10 p.m. Thursday, with wind gusts reaching 35 mph. Snow levels will fall to 2,500 feet by Thursday morning, allowing up to 6 inches to accumulate at lower elevations.
Farther west, the East Slopes of the Oregon Cascades remain under an advisory until 4 a.m. Thursday above 4,500 feet. An additional 4 to 8 inches is expected near Santiam and Willamette Passes, with gusts up to 50 mph capable of snapping small branches and producing blowing snow. Heaviest snowfall will line the Cascade crest, while lighter totals are forecast along U.S. 97 south of Bend near Sunriver, Sisters and La Pine.
Drivers should slow down and check conditions at tripcheck.com in Oregon or wsdot.wa.gov before heading into higher terrain. Difficult travel will persist into Thursday evening, and additional advisories may be issued if snowfall rates increase.
