Portland, OR – Drivers crossing the central Oregon Cascades could face dangerous mountain travel starting early Wednesday as a late-season winter storm blankets key passes with heavy snow.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 5 a.m. Wednesday through 5 p.m. Thursday for the Cascades of Lane, Marion, and Linn counties, including Willamette Pass, Santiam Pass, McKenzie Pass, Santiam Junction, Tombstone Summit, and the Waldo Lake region.
Snow totals are expected to reach 10 to 18 inches across higher elevations, with steady accumulation beginning Wednesday morning and continuing through Thursday afternoon. Winds could gust up to 35 mph, creating periods of reduced visibility and blowing snow near exposed ridgelines.
Travel impacts will likely be most noticeable along Highways 20, 22, and 58, where mountain passes such as Santiam Pass and Willamette Pass often become slick quickly during heavy snowfall. Bridges and overpasses may ice over first, increasing the risk for spinouts and slow traffic.
Officials recommend postponing mountain travel until conditions improve. Anyone who must drive should reduce speeds, carry winter supplies, and check TripCheck.com or call 511 for updated road conditions. Backcountry recreation is discouraged as conditions deteriorate.
Snow may continue into Thursday afternoon before gradually easing, though additional mountain advisories could follow as colder air lingers over the Cascades.
