Winter weather advisories have been issued in five states across the western United States, with up to 20 inches of snow potentially hitting Oregon this weekend.
Advisories have been issued in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Hawaii. The National Weather Service has warned that heavy snow and strong winds could make travel “very difficult to impossible” in several mountain regions.
Why It Matters
The widespread winter weather advisories highlight how rapidly conditions are deteriorating across the western U.S., with multiple states bracing for dangerous mountain travel and potential disruptions. Heavy snow and strong winds could impact major routes, isolate higher-elevation communities, and create hazardous conditions for early-season recreation. The warnings also underscore the early arrival of winter weather, signaling that colder, stormier conditions are setting in across much of the region.
What To Know
In southern Oregon, forecasters said snow totals could reach up to 20 inches above 6,000 feet in the Southern Oregon Cascades, including Crater Lake, Crescent Lake and Diamond Lake.
The advisory remains in effect from 11 a.m. Saturday to 5 p.m. Sunday, with winds expected to gust as high as 60 mph over exposed terrain.
Elsewhere in Oregon and Washington, snow accumulations of 6 to 14 inches are forecast across the Cascades and Blue Mountains, with advisories covering areas such as Sisters, La Pine, Meacham, Tollgate and Stevens Pass. Drivers are being urged to use caution on I-84, US-20, and I-90, where periods of moderate to heavy snow could reduce visibility and make road conditions hazardous.
The North and Central Cascades of Oregon and the South Washington Cascades could see between 6 and 12 inches of snow above 3,500 feet, with the heaviest snowfall expected on Saturday and Sunday.
In Idaho, the NWS warned that snow totals of up to 12 inches could fall above 7,000 feet, affecting areas including Sun Valley, Stanley and the Sawtooth Mountains. Strong winds of up to 50 mph could cause blowing snow and downed branches.
Meanwhile, snow is expected to begin early Sunday morning in western Montana, with accumulations of up to 3 inches in higher elevations such as the Northern and Southern Clearwater Mountains, Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains, and the West Glacier and Lower Clark Fork regions. A second wave of heavier snow is forecast to arrive Sunday evening into Monday, bringing additional accumulations of up to 6 inches in some areas and wind gusts reaching 50 mph.
Affected areas include major travel routes such as Highway 93 near Lost Trail Pass, Lolo Pass, MacDonald Pass and I-90 from Lookout Pass to Haugan, as well as regions near Glacier National Park, Butte and Seeley Lake. The combination of snow and strong winds is expected to reduce visibility, create slick and icy roads—particularly on bridges and overpasses—and potentially down trees or branches.
Even Hawaii’s Big Island summits are under a Winter Weather Advisory, with up to five inches of snow and freezing rain forecast overnight into Sunday morning.
Forecasters are urging travelers to check state road condition websites before setting out, as snow and ice are likely on high-elevation roads and mountain passes. Drivers are advised to slow down, use caution, and carry winter emergency kits, while outdoor enthusiasts are being warned to prepare for rapidly changing and potentially dangerous weather conditions.
What People Are Saying
NWS Medford said on X: “Decreasing snow levels and precipitation will bring accumulating snowfall over the Cascades through the weekend. Snow is likely Saturday afternoon through Sunday. Snow accumulation should approach 2 feet near Crater Lake!”
NWS Portland said on X: “Strong south winds are forecast across the region on Saturday, with gusts up to 60 mph along the coast & Coast Range, & gusts up to 45 mph across interior lowland valleys. Power outages are possible from downed trees & limbs. Make sure to secure outdoor objects.”
What Happens Next
The advisories are in place between Saturday and Monday.
