PORTLAND, Ore. – A fresh burst of mountain snow will sweep across the Oregon and South Washington Cascades beginning Sunday morning, bringing slippery travel and early-season winter driving conditions through late Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 8 a.m. Sunday through 11 a.m. Monday for elevations above 4,000 feet. Snow totals of 2 to 6 inches are expected, with up to 15 inches possible above 5,000 feet in areas including Government Camp, Santiam Pass, and Willamette Pass.
Travelers along Highway 26, U.S. 20, and OR 58 should prepare for icy roads, especially during overnight and early morning hours when temperatures dip below freezing. The NWS warns that bridges and overpasses will be particularly slick, and chains may be required at higher elevations.
According to ODOT and WSDOT, motorists should carry traction devices and check TripCheck.com or wsdot.com/travel before heading into the Cascades. Outdoor recreation plans near Timothy Lake, Indian Heaven Wilderness, and Waldo Lake should be adjusted as conditions deteriorate rapidly in higher terrain.
Residents and travelers are urged to pack winter driving kits, including flashlights, blankets, water, and food. Even brief stops or detours could pose risks as the first substantial snow of the fall season blankets the region’s mountain passes.
