A winter storm is forecast to bring 1 to 2 feet of snow to Oregon’s Cascade mountain passes and could have a major impact on the Columbia Gorge Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in Portland.
There’s also an outside chance for some Willamette Valley snowflakes, but little accumulation is expected.
The heaviest snowfall and worst driving conditions are forecast for the Government Camp and Mount Hood area (Highway 26), Santiam Pass (Highway 20), Willamette Pass (Highway 58) and into the southern Oregon Cascades. Most of the snow is expected to fall above 2,500 feet.
“The combination of heavy snow and gusty winds may lead to whiteout conditions at times,” a winter storm warning from NWS said . “ Travel could be very difficult.”
Columbia Gorge could bring brutal travel conditions
Although the heaviest snow is forecast in the mountains, the worst traveling conditions could be on Interstate 84 in the Columbia Gorge.
The west and central gorge could see up to 12 inches of snow and a quarter-inch of ice, NWS said , making travel extremely difficult.