PORTLAND, Ore. – A potent early-season snowstorm will blanket the Oregon and South Washington Cascades with more than a foot of snow beginning Sunday morning and continuing through late Monday morning, creating dangerous travel conditions across mountain passes.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 8 a.m. Sunday to 11 a.m. Monday for elevations above 4,000 feet. Snowfall will intensify Sunday afternoon, with 8 to 15 inches likely above 5,000 feet, and localized totals exceeding a foot near Santiam Pass, Willamette Pass, and Government Camp.
Major mountain routes — including Highway 26, U.S. 20, and OR 58 — are expected to become snow-covered and slick by Sunday night. Travel may be slow or hazardous, especially at higher passes where chain requirements are possible. The NWS warns that bridges and overpasses could freeze quickly, making traction difficult even in light snow zones.
According to ODOT and WSDOT, motorists should delay nonessential mountain travel or be fully prepared with chains, shovels, blankets, food, and water. Visibility will drop sharply in heavier snow bands, particularly near Timothy Lake, Indian Heaven Wilderness, and the Willamette National Forest.
Drivers heading toward the Cascades should check TripCheck.com or wsdot.com/travel for real-time chain restrictions. The storm marks the first significant snow event of the fall season and serves as a reminder that winter driving conditions are arriving early across the Northwest mountains.
