The wintry weather over this spring break week has provided skiers with great conditions. But if you’re heading over mountain passes this weekend, you’ll want to have flexible plans.
The National Weather Service has issued a number of winter storm warnings for higher elevations throughout western Oregon and Washington. Most began Friday afternoon and extend through 11 p.m. Sunday.
Planning to drive through the mountains this weekend? Check ahead for weather and road conditions. Snow will impact travel conditions, especially in the Cascades, tonight through Sunday night. https://t.co/R5JjllVK6X and https://t.co/ZFDcmqCzuS #orwx #wawx #pdxtst #tripcheck pic.twitter.com/QhldQY9Ain
— NWS Portland (@NWSPortland) March 31, 2023
Heavy snow is expected in areas above 1,500 feet. There’s even a chance for some lowland snow Monday morning, the National Weather Service says.
In Oregon, 2 feet of snow can be expected for elevations above 2,000 feet north of Highway 20, and above 2,500 feet south of Highway 20. Elevations above 3,000 to 4,000 feet stand to receive 2 to 4 feet of snow by the time snow showers taper off Sunday night or Monday, the weather service said. Travel in mountain passes will be challenging into Monday.
“These values, while very high, especially for this time of year, given the pattern that’s coming down and is forecasted to impact the area, these values are not far-fetched,” David Bishop, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, told KLCC.
Bishop said the best thing to do is avoid risky travel times. If that’s not possible, keep an eye on TripCheck to see if roads are closed or if chains are required.
The National Weather Service advised anyone forced to drive keep a flashlight, food and water in their vehicle in case of emergency.
