Pendleton, OR – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pendleton has issued multiple Winter Weather Advisories for the Cascades and Blue Mountains of Oregon and Washington, warning of heavy mountain snow, gusty winds, and dangerous travel conditions beginning Saturday night and lasting through Monday morning.
Snow is expected to begin along the East Slopes of the Oregon Cascades around 8 p.m. Saturday, spreading into the Upper Slopes of the Eastern Washington Cascades by late evening, and reaching the Northern Blue Mountains Sunday morning.
Forecasters say total snow accumulations between 6 and 10 inches are likely above 4,000 to 4,500 feet, with localized higher totals possible near Sisters, La Pine, and Mount Hood. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph, creating blowing snow and whiteout conditions at times.
The NWS cautions that travel along I-84, US-20, and mountain passes such as Snoqualmie and Tollgate could become treacherous, especially Sunday into early Monday. Drivers are urged to slow down, check road conditions on tripcheck.com or wsdot.wa.gov, and prepare for possible delays.
This system marks one of the season’s first widespread winter weather events for the Pacific Northwest mountains.
