Winter weather advisories are in effect through Wednesday afternoon along the Cascades in Washington and northern Oregon.
This image from an ODOT traffic camera shows snow partially covering Oregon 35 at Meadows Drive on March 9, 2026
Oregon Department of Transportation
The National Weather Service has warned that up to 10 inches of snow could fall at elevations above 3,000 feet by 5 p.m. Wednesday.
The snow, coupled with wind gusts up to 35 mph, could make travel difficult through the Cascade passes.
Drivers are urged to winterize their vehicles and have winter emergency driving kits when traveling through the mountain passes. Emergency kits should include tire chains, flashlights, batteries, blankets, a shovel, water, and non-perishable food items.
The north Oregon Cascades will see warmer conditions by Wednesday, according to the NWS Portland area forecast discussion.
“With the warm air moving in, snow levels will rise to 3,500-4,000 feet by Wednesday morning,” the summary read as of Tuesday morning, “isolating any snowfall chances to the Cascades from pass level up.”
But in the south Washington Cascades, a winter storm watch takes effect after the advisory ends, from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. A second weather system could bring another 18 inches of snow, with wind gusts up to 35 mph.
Toward the end of the work week, the region is expected to see higher temperatures and widespread, steady rain.
