Seattle, WA – A powerful winter storm is set to bring heavy snowfall and strong winds to Washington’s Cascade Mountains, with up to 30 inches expected at elevations above 3,000 feet. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 10 p.m. Thursday through 4 p.m. Saturday, impacting major mountain passes and ski areas.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Seattle, snow levels will fluctuate throughout the storm, beginning around 2,500-3,500 feet Thursday night before rising to 4,000 feet Friday afternoon. By Friday night, snow levels will drop again to around 2,000 feet, increasing snowfall intensity at Snoqualmie Pass and other key travel routes. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph, reducing visibility and making travel hazardous.
Travelers should expect difficult to impossible conditions in higher elevations, including Stevens Pass, Crystal Mountain Ski Area, and Mount Baker Ski Area. The NWS advises carrying emergency supplies such as flashlights, food, and water in case of road closures or power outages.
Motorists are urged to check road conditions before traveling and prepare for delays. Washington’s Department of Transportation recommends avoiding travel through the passes during the heaviest snowfall periods Friday night into Saturday.
