Easton, Washington – Mountain travel along the eastern slopes of Washington’s Cascades could become extremely dangerous late Tuesday as a major winter storm begins dropping up to 3 feet of snow across higher elevations near Easton and Roslyn.
According to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 8 a.m. Tuesday, bringing 2 to 6 inches of additional snowfall and wind gusts up to 30 mph across the Cascade crest. Conditions will worsen quickly when a Winter Storm Warning begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday and continues until 5 a.m. Friday.
Forecasters expect 12 to 36 inches of total snowfall during the storm, with stronger winds reaching 35 mph between late Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon. These conditions could produce blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility along mountain highways near the Cascade crest.
Communities including Easton and Roslyn may see heavy snow affecting travel routes used to access the Cascades. Drivers heading toward higher terrain should prepare for slick roads, snow-covered passes, and possible downed tree branches caused by gusty winds.
Meteorologists note a brief lull is possible late Wednesday morning through early Thursday, when rising snow levels may bring a short period of mixed precipitation or rain before colder air returns and heavy snow resumes.
Travel in the mountains is strongly discouraged during the peak of the storm. Officials recommend carrying tire chains, blankets, food, water, and emergency supplies in case vehicles become stranded.
Meanwhile, the broader Pacific Northwest faces widespread mountain snow. A Winter Storm Warning in the South Washington Cascades from Tuesday evening through Wednesday afternoon could bring 12 to 18 inches of snow near Mount St. Helens and Indian Heaven Wilderness, while multiple Winter Weather Advisories across Oregon’s Cascades and Coast Range continue through midweek with 2 to 10 inches of additional snow expected above pass level.
Warnings and advisories across Washington and Oregon remain active through the week as the storm continues pushing heavy snow into the Cascade Mountains.
