Snow Accumulations and Alerts: Winter Storm Warnings in Oregon and Washington

Tonight:

• Colder Canadian air moves into eastern Washington, reaching the Lower Columbia Basin overnight.

• Moisture from the central Pacific system enters SW Oregon as a warm front, lifting north into central Oregon.

Wednesday:

• The central Pacific system undercuts the ridge, bringing precipitation.

• Central Oregon experiences initial snow, with rising snow levels (3000 to 4500 feet) by afternoon.

• The front progresses northward, spreading precipitation across the forecast area and stalling overnight.

• Areas from Madras northward mainly experience snow, while lower elevations see a mix of rain and snow.

• Wednesday Night – Thursday:

  • Elevations below 1000-1500 feet with a rain and snow mix, becoming mostly snow by Thursday morning.

  • A return to a mix is expected by midday and afternoon.

  • Precipitation along the stalled front decreases late Thursday, tapering off to showers by Thursday night.

Snow Accumulations and Alerts:

• The complex system leads to varying snow accumulations.

• Winter Storm Watches, Warnings, and advisories are in effect, especially in the Oregon and southern Washington Cascades.

• Travel difficulties are possible from White Pass southward.

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