Mountain travelers in Washington should prepare for a challenging weekend as significant snowfall is expected across several key passes starting Saturday. The National Weather Service forecasts light to moderate snow across Washington Pass, Lookout Pass, and Stevens Pass, with snowfall impacts likely to affect visibility and road conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, snow impacts will vary across different locations, with Stevens Pass and Lookout Pass seeing the highest chances of moderate to heavy snow accumulation through Saturday and into early next week. Drivers should plan extra time for travel and consider alternate routes or schedules, especially as snow impacts are expected to intensify by Wednesday. The agency advises using caution on roads with potential accumulation and hazardous driving conditions due to light to moderate snow.
The forecast indicates a mix of rain and snow from Saturday through Monday, particularly on I-90 and Highway 20, impacting Spokane and surrounding areas. Saturday’s high is expected to reach 53°F in Spokane with rain and fog potential in the early hours, gradually shifting to colder conditions and snowfall by Sunday night.
For Veterans Day on Monday, more rain is anticipated with temperatures reaching a high of 52°F and precipitation chances at 90%. The forecast suggests that rain will continue into the night, increasing the likelihood of snow at higher elevations. Travelers returning from holiday visits should plan for delays due to wet and potentially icy roadways.
Looking ahead, Tuesday and Wednesday will likely bring a mix of rain and snow to Spokane, further complicating travel plans for those navigating mountain passes. Residents and travelers are encouraged to monitor local weather alerts for updates and to remain prepared for winter driving conditions in the coming days.
