Portland, Oregon – A more active winter pattern is expected to take shape across Oregon as the New Year approaches, with increasing confidence in mountain snow, valley rain, and periodic travel disruptions from Dec 27 through Jan 9.
Atmospheric patterns favor repeated Pacific storm systems moving inland during this period. According to the National Weather Service in Portland, colder air may filter into the region behind several systems, allowing snow levels to drop at times, especially overnight and during early morning hours. The Cascades are expected to see frequent accumulating snow, with significant impacts possible at major passes.
Travel through Santiam Pass on US-20, Willamette Pass on OR-58, and Government Camp along US-26 could be impacted by snow-covered roads, chain requirements, and brief closures during stronger storms. Blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility are possible at higher elevations when gusty winds accompany frontal passages.
In lower elevations, including Portland, Salem, and Eugene, precipitation is expected to fall primarily as rain. However, brief rain-snow mixes cannot be ruled out if colder air pushes farther west. Repeated systems may also bring periods of heavy rain, raising concerns for localized flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas.
Coastal Oregon may experience gusty winds with some storms, increasing the risk of isolated power outages and hazardous marine conditions. The Oregon Department of Transportation urges travelers to monitor pass conditions closely, carry chains when required, and allow extra time during the busy New Year holiday period.
While breaks between storms are expected, the overall setup supports a stormy and wintry start to 2026 across Oregon, with persistent snow impacts in the Cascades through early January.
