Stehekin, Washington – Drivers crossing the central Cascades could face rapidly worsening travel conditions Sunday evening as a powerful snow event targets Stevens Pass with totals approaching two feet.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday for western Chelan County, including Stehekin, Holden Village, and Stevens Pass. Snowfall during that period could reach up to 6 inches, creating slick pavement and slower travel across mountain routes.
Conditions intensify later Sunday. A Winter Storm Warning begins at 5 p.m. Sunday and continues until 5 a.m. Tuesday, when forecasters expect 1 to 2 feet of additional snow across higher elevations. Wind gusts could reach 35 mph, producing blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility, especially Sunday night.
The heaviest impacts are expected along U.S. Highway 2 at Stevens Pass, a critical east-west route linking western Washington with communities east of the Cascades. Heavy bursts of snow may slow freight movement, trigger spinouts, and force temporary closures while road crews clear accumulating snow.
Travelers should carry emergency supplies including food, water, and flashlights and check Washington State Department of Transportation road conditions before heading into the mountains.
Snowfall may continue impacting Stevens Pass through early Tuesday morning, and additional travel advisories could follow if snowfall rates intensify overnight.
