BEND, Ore. – A quick burst of fall snow is coating the higher slopes of the Cascades this morning, making travel difficult on several mountain passes. The National Weather Service has kept a Winter Weather Advisory in effect until 1 p.m. Monday for elevations above 4,000 feet in the East Slopes of the Oregon Cascades and the Upper Slopes of the Eastern Washington Cascades Crest.
According to the National Weather Service office in Pendleton, two to four inches of wet snow are expected for mountain communities including Sisters, La Pine, Camp Sherman, Roslyn, and Easton. Drivers on White Pass and Santiam Pass should expect slick pavement, especially on bridges and shaded curves, as snow mixes with rain at lower elevations.
Transportation officials urge caution for anyone traveling between Bend and the Willamette Valley. Chains or traction tires may be needed early, particularly for high-clearance or towing vehicles. “Plan extra travel time and slow down on mountain approaches,” Oregon DOT advised.
In Oregon, travelers can check conditions at tripcheck.com, while Washington drivers can use wsdot.wa.gov/travel for updates. Snow levels will gradually lift this afternoon as drier, cooler air settles in behind the front.
Outdoor enthusiasts should be ready for quickly changing mountain conditions and falling temperatures that could refreeze wet surfaces tonight. The first measurable snow of the season marks an early taste of winter for the Central Cascades.
