Snow incoming: Feet of snow possible in Oregon Cascades starting Wednesday

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Oregon’s northern Cascades and a winter weather warning for the southern Cascades as 1 to 3 feet of mountain snow is forecast to fall between Wednesday afternoon and Friday evening.

As much as 6 to 12 inches of snow is possible in Oregon’s northern Cascades by Friday. This includes roadways through Government Camp and the Santiam and McKenzie passes. Mt. Hood and peaks above 6,000 feet could see as much as 16 inches.

In the south, the Cascade passes could see 12 to 24 inches of snow and as much as 30 inches at elevations above 6,000 feet, including Willamette Pass.

KOIN 6 Meteorologist Kelley Bayern recommends drivers use caution while traveling through mountain passes this week due to heavy snowfall and the potential for icy roads.

“Expect winter driving conditions at times with heavy snow showers ahead," Bayern said. "The passes will be tough to travel over with impacts on roads down to roughly 4,000 feet. Roadways will remain slick and snowy at times.”

Check the Oregon Department of Transportation and Washington State Department of transportation websites for the latest chain restrictions.