Winter weather warning as 16 inches of snow to hit this weekend

Parts of Washington and Oregon were under winter weather advisories from the National Weather Service (NWS) as of early Friday, with up to 16 inches of snow expected to fall in some parts.

Why It Matters

Across the affected areas, the agency warned of wintry conditions that could result in difficult driving conditions.

What To Know

In Oregon, the southern Oregon Cascades north of Lake of the Woods—mainly above 4,500 feet, including Crater and Diamond Lakes as well as portions of highways 62, 238, 138, 58 and 230—were expected to see 6 to 10 inches of snow, with up to 16 inches possible above 6,000 feet, according to a winter weather advisory in effect from 11 a.m. Pacific time on Saturday to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The NWS cautioned that travel could be difficult and could lead to commute delays. Tree damage could also result from strong winds, it added.

“The heaviest snow is expected Saturday afternoon when there is a 70 percent chance of 1 [inch per] hour rates,” the agency said.

The east slopes of the Oregon Cascades could see between 6 and 10 inches above 4,500 feet, according to the NWS.

“Moderate snowfall with periods of heavy snowfall rates will combine with low visibility to create very difficult driving conditions. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches,” said the alert for the area, which is in effect from 8 p.m. on Saturday to 2 a.m. on Monday.

In Washington, elevations above 3,500 feet in western Chelan and Okanogan counties, including Stevens Pass and Washington Pass, could also see 6 to 10 inches over the weekend, the NWS said.

Similar advisories had also been issued for the upper slopes of the eastern Washington Cascades Crest, Oregon’s northern Blue Mountains and Washington’s northwest Blue Mountains.

Elsewhere, freeze warnings and frost advisories spanned a large swath of the Midwest and Eastern U.S. early on Friday. Across these areas, the NWS warned of widespread subfreezing temperatures that could kill crops and other sensitive outdoor vegetation.

What People Are Saying

The National Weather Service forecast office in Spokane, Washington, wrote on X on Thursday: “Active weather returns this weekend with multiple rounds of lowland rain, mountain snow, and breezy winds. Today through early Friday afternoon will be perfect days for finishing up any outdoor projects before weather turns unsettled.”

NWS Pendleton, Oregon, wrote on X: “The pleasant clear and dry conditions will come to an end this weekend, as a frontal system brings in rain along with mountain snow showers.”

NWS Medford, Oregon, wrote on X: “Accumulating snowfall can create hazardous travel conditions along the Cascades. Road slush, accumulating snowfall, and refreezing snow or water are possible through the weekend. Please take the proper preventative actions if travel is necessary.”