Portland, Oregon – Chain controls and hazardous mountain travel could expand across the Cascades within hours as multiple rounds of snow begin stacking up from Washington to Northern California.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Portland, Medford, Spokane and Seattle, winter weather advisories and storm warnings stretch across much of the Pacific Northwest through at least Thursday morning. In Oregon’s Cascades and South Washington Cascades, 4 to 9 inches fell Monday with another 2 to 10 inches expected in waves through Thursday. Higher elevations could see totals topping 15 inches, with up to 2 feet above 5,000 feet near Crater Lake and Diamond Lake.
In Central Douglas County, a Winter Storm Warning begins at 10 p.m. Monday above 1,500 feet. Communities along I-5 south of Canyonville, including Canyon Creek Pass, could see 6 to 10 inches, with 12 to 18 inches above 2,500 feet by Thursday morning. Lower elevations around Roseburg may pick up 1 to 2 inches, enough to create slick bridges and overpasses.
Washington’s Northeast Mountains and Okanogan Highlands face 2 to 7 inches through early evening, while Idaho’s Panhandle mountains could see 2 to 5 inches overnight into Tuesday morning. Snow showers near U.S. 101 and the Olympic foothills may briefly reduce visibility during heavier bursts.
Travelers should check TripCheck, WSDOT or call 511 before heading over passes including Santiam, Willamette, Lookout and Siskiyou Summit. Carry chains, blankets, water and extra batteries. Snow levels drop into some valleys by Tuesday morning, increasing the risk of icy commutes. Additional advisories remain in effect through Thursday as the storm track reloads midweek.
