The National Weather Service announced on April 14 that a winter storm warning has been issued for elevations above 2,500 feet in eastern Lane County, with up to 22 inches of snow expected to fall on the Cascade mountain passes through Thursday morning.
The warning comes as a cold front from the Gulf of Alaska is forecasted to bring hazardous travel conditions beginning Tuesday evening. Forecasters said the weather system could result in significant snowfall and strong winds, making travel difficult or dangerous for those crossing mountain passes.
According to the National Weather Service office in Portland, the winter storm warning will be in effect from 5 p.m. Tuesday until 5 a.m. Thursday. Winds are expected to gust up to 45 miles per hour during this period, potentially worsening driving conditions.
David Bishop, a meteorologist with the weather service in Portland, said that “the heaviest snow accumulations are expected in the Cascade Mountains in Lane and Marion counties.” He also noted that snow might begin reaching elevations as low as 2,000 feet around 6 p.m. Tuesday. “If people are planning on traveling over the Cascades in the next 24 to 48 hours, they should be aware of road conditions,” Bishop said.
In its official advisory, the weather service warned that roads—especially bridges and overpasses—could become slick and hazardous due to accumulating snow and ice. Bishop added that early spring storms like this one are not unusual for this region.
At lower elevations throughout Lane County, rain is forecasted starting Tuesday afternoon. While some areas may see mixed rain and snow Wednesday morning, forecasters expect little or no accumulation at these levels. Thunderstorms are also possible on Wednesday. Overnight temperatures from Wednesday through Friday are predicted to drop into the mid-30s.
