Winter Weather Alert: Up to 10 Inches of Snow, 50 MPH Wind Gusts Expected in Oregon and Washington Mountains
PENDLETON, OREGON — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pendleton has issued multiple Winter Weather Advisories for mountain regions across Oregon and Washington, warning of heavy snow, high winds, and dangerous travel conditions from Saturday evening through Monday morning.
East Slopes of the Oregon Cascades
Snow is expected above 4,500 feet from 8 p.m. Saturday through 2 a.m. Monday, with 6 to 10 inches of accumulation likely. Forecasters say wind gusts could reach up to 50 mph, creating blowing snow and the risk of downed tree branches in exposed areas.
Eastern Washington Cascades Crest
An additional advisory is in effect from 11 p.m. Saturday to 11 p.m. Sunday, where elevations above 4,000 feet may see 6 to 10 inches of snow and wind gusts near 35 mph.
Northern Blue Mountains (OR/WA)
The Northern Blue Mountains will also be affected, with snow expected above 4,500 feet from 8 a.m. Sunday through 8 a.m. Monday, producing 6 to 10 inches of snow and creating slippery mountain passes.
“Travel could become very difficult, especially along routes such as Santiam Pass, Meacham, and Tollgate,” warned the National Weather Service. “Blowing snow and strong winds will reduce visibility at times, making driving conditions hazardous.”
Travel Impact and Safety Precautions
Drivers are strongly encouraged to prepare for severe winter travel conditions. The combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds could lead to periods of whiteout conditions at higher elevations.
The NWS advises motorists to:
- Carry tire chains, emergency blankets, and extra food and water.
- Check live traffic updates via TripCheck.com (Oregon) and wsdot.wa.gov/travel (Washington) before departure.
- Avoid unnecessary mountain travel during the height of the storm, particularly late Saturday through Sunday night.
Storm Timing and Outlook
Snow will begin to develop Saturday night across higher elevations of Oregon before spreading north into Washington by early Sunday. The heaviest snowfall is expected between late Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, with lingering flurries possible into early Monday.
While the lower valleys will remain mostly dry, temperatures are forecast to drop sharply across both states, marking the first major winter event of the season for the Pacific Northwest.
“It’s the start of winter hazards for our mountain passes,” an NWS Pendleton forecaster said. “Anyone planning to travel through high elevations this weekend should plan ahead and be ready for rapidly changing weather.”
For more Pacific Northwest weather updates and alerts, visit NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.