Government Camp, Ore. – Mountain travel in the Cascades will turn treacherous by daybreak Saturday as heavy snow and strong wind gusts sweep across high elevations through the evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST Saturday for the North Oregon Cascades, South Washington Cascades and Upper Hood River Valley. Snow totals between 5 and 10 inches are expected in the higher terrain, including Government Camp, Bennett Pass and areas near Mount St. Helens. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph, reducing visibility and creating blowing snow. The Upper Hood River Valley, including Odell and Parkdale, may see 1 to 3 inches.
Highways such as U.S. 26 near Government Camp and State Route 14 along the Columbia River Gorge could become snow-covered quickly, especially at pass level. Bridges and overpasses will turn slick first as temperatures remain below freezing.
Travelers should carry chains, pack emergency winter kits and check tripcheck.com or wsdot.com/travel/real-time/map for chain restrictions before departing. Conditions may deteriorate rapidly in heavier bursts during the afternoon.
Snow is expected to taper late Saturday night, but icy stretches could linger into early Sunday. Additional advisories may follow if snowfall intensifies.
