Mount St. Helens, Washington – Snow will begin stacking up across the South Washington Cascades before sunrise Monday, creating slick mountain roads and growing travel risks that could intensify into a heavier storm by Tuesday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 5 a.m. Monday until 5 p.m. Tuesday for the South Washington Cascades, including Larch Mountain, the Indian Heaven Wilderness, and areas surrounding Mount St. Helens. Snowfall totals between 6 and 10 inches are expected during this first round, with wind gusts reaching 35 mph.
The system will strengthen Tuesday afternoon as a Winter Storm Watch takes effect, bringing the potential for up to 14 inches of total snowfall and stronger wind gusts approaching 45 mph through Wednesday afternoon. Those winds could blow snow across higher elevation roads and reduce visibility near mountain passes.
Roads through the Cascades, particularly bridges and exposed stretches of highway, are likely to become slick as temperatures remain cold enough for steady accumulation. Travelers heading into higher elevations near Mount St. Helens or recreation areas in the Indian Heaven Wilderness should prepare for winter driving conditions.
Drivers are urged to carry tire chains, blankets, flashlights, food, and water if traveling through the mountains. Washington transportation officials advise checking current road conditions through the state’s 511 system before heading into the Cascades.
Additional advisories or warnings could be issued as the stronger round of snowfall approaches Tuesday afternoon.
