Oregon winter storm wall issued for mountain roads, passes

On By Littum

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ONE winter storm watch has been issued for Oregon’s mountain roads and passes from Saturday night into Monday by the National Weather Service in Portland.

More than a foot of snow is expected at elevations above 2,500 feet, meaning places like Marion Forks and Government Camp could see whiteout, while travel over the Cascade Range passes could become dangerous.

The forecast calls for as much as 15 inches at pass levels, most likely affecting Highway 20 at Santiam and Tombstone passes, Highway 58 at Willamette Pass, the Mount Hood area and the Highway 62/138/230 area near Diamond Lake and Crater Lake.

“Travel may be very difficult,” the NWS wrote in the alert. “Winterize your vehicle and have a winter emergency driving kit readily available if you plan to drive over the Cascade passes. Make sure your emergency kit has the following items: flashlights, batteries, blankets, a shovel, water, non-perishable food, tire chains, etc. “

Snow levels look to rise and then fall a few times over the coming week, meaning more snow opportunities, but also rain in pass levels, while the higher mountains and resorts should get some snow.

On the plus side, the snow should help bolster the snow base at ski areas across the state. Mount Hood Meadows, Mt. Bachelor and Timberline Lodge are all open this weekend, and are being opened daily through Thanksgiving.

Zach Urness has been an outdoor reporter in Oregon for 16 years and hosts the Explore Oregon Podcast. He can be found at [email protected] or (503) 399-6801. Find him at X at @ZachsORoutdoors.