Stehekin, Washington – Drivers crossing the central Washington Cascades could encounter rapidly deteriorating road conditions Sunday as multiple waves of snow build toward totals approaching two feet near Stevens Pass.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday across western Chelan County, including Stevens Pass, Stehekin, and Holden Village. Snowfall during that window could reach up to 6 inches, creating slick pavement and slower travel on mountain routes.
Conditions intensify later in the day. A Winter Storm Warning begins at 5 p.m. Sunday and continues until 5 a.m. Tuesday, with 1 to 2 feet of snow expected across higher elevations of the Cascades. Wind gusts could reach 35 mph, producing blowing snow and periods of sharply reduced visibility, especially Sunday night.
The heaviest snow will likely impact U.S. Highway 2 at Stevens Pass, a major east-west corridor through the Cascades. Transportation officials warn that heavy snowfall rates could slow traffic, cause spinouts, and lead to temporary closures as crews work to clear accumulating snow.
Anyone traveling through the Cascades should carry emergency supplies including food, water, and a flashlight. Officials also recommend checking Washington State Department of Transportation road updates before heading into mountain passes.
Heavy snow may continue through early Tuesday morning, and additional travel advisories could follow if snowfall intensifies overnight.
