Wenatchee, WA – Mountain travel around Wenatchee is expected to remain hazardous beginning Thursday and continuing into early Friday as heavy snow and gusty winds impact higher elevations across Chelan and Okanogan counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for western Chelan County, including Stevens Pass, Stehekin, and Holden Village, through 4 a.m. PST Friday. Snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are expected, with localized totals reaching up to 18 inches in the highest terrain. Winds may gust as high as 45 miles per hour, increasing the risk of blowing snow and reduced visibility.
Additional Winter Weather Advisories are in effect Thursday for central Chelan County and western Okanogan County above 2,000 feet, including Mazama, Loup Loup Pass, and Conconully. In those areas, snowfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected, with higher amounts of 6 to 9 inches possible in the upper Methow Valley. Snow is expected to fall from late Thursday morning through Thursday evening.
Forecasters note there is a low-confidence potential for a brief period of freezing rain Thursday morning into early afternoon as snow levels temporarily rise. If freezing rain occurs, even light ice accumulations could worsen travel conditions, particularly near mountain passes.
In north Idaho, the Central Panhandle Mountains, including Lookout Pass and Dobson Pass, are also under a Winter Weather Advisory from noon Thursday to 10 a.m. Friday, with 4 to 9 inches of snow expected above 3,000 feet.
Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Tree damage and isolated power issues are possible due to gusty winds and heavy snow loading.
Travelers are encouraged to check road conditions before departing by visiting the Washington State Department of Transportation website or calling 511 for Idaho routes.
