Portland, Oregon – Travel over Santiam and Willamette passes could become treacherous within hours as up to 11 inches of snow piles up above 4,000 feet through early Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 4 a.m. PST Thursday for the Cascades of Marion, Linn and Lane counties. Additional snow accumulations of 9 to 11 inches are expected at Santiam Pass and Willamette Pass, with wind gusts reaching 35 mph. The heaviest snowfall rates are expected through 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Roads above 4,000 feet, including stretches near Santiam Junction, McKenzie Pass, Tombstone Summit and Waldo Lake, will likely turn snow-covered and slick. Blowing snow and periods of moderate to heavy snowfall could reduce visibility and make chain restrictions likely on Highway 20 and Highway 58.
ODOT urges drivers to slow down and carry chains and a winter emergency kit that includes blankets, food, water and a flashlight. Check TripCheck.com or call 511 before heading into the mountains.
Snow transitions to scattered showers late Wednesday night, but hazardous travel conditions may linger through the pre-dawn hours Thursday. Additional updates are possible if snowfall rates intensify this evening.
