A winter storm warning has been announced for the Cascade Mountain passes in Oregon, effective from January 6 to 8, as the National Weather Service (NWS) in Portland predicts a significant snowfall of 2 to 4 feet. This weather system is expected to create hazardous travel conditions on major highways, including Santiam Pass (U.S. Highway 20), Willamette Pass (Oregon Highway 58), and the Government Camp and Mount Hood areas (Highway 26 and 35).
The forecasted snow is of particular importance for Oregon’s ski areas, which have experienced a lackluster start to the season. The arrival of this storm could be a pivotal moment, allowing several ski resorts to finally open for the winter, and enabling others to unlock more of their terrain. Conversely, if the predicted snow fails to materialize, the area may face one of its worst ski seasons in a decade.
As the snow level is expected to drop to elevations between 2,000 and 2,500 feet on January 7, this could affect a wide range of roadways, especially high-elevation routes in the Coast Range. The NWS has cautioned that roads, bridges, and overpasses may become slick and hazardous, urging travelers to proceed with caution and to allow extra time for their journeys.
The brunt of the snowfall is forecasted to occur on the afternoons and evenings of January 6 and 7, providing a much-needed influx of snow for winter recreation. This storm could be crucial in turning around a dismal start to the ski season, where many ski areas have faced limited openings and even closures during peak winter months.
Looking ahead, however, long-term weather forecasts indicate a potential return to unusually warm and dry conditions following this week’s storm. Currently, the snowpack in Western Oregon sits at just 22-25% of normal levels for the season, highlighting the significance of this incoming storm for both winter sports enthusiasts and the region’s winter economy. Zach Urness, an experienced outdoor reporter in Oregon, emphasizes the urgency and excitement surrounding this weather event.