Winter is making an early appearance across Oregon’s Cascade Range this week, bringing several inches of fresh snow and slick mountain roads.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory extending from southwest Washington down to Oakridge in Lane County, in effect through early Monday morning. Forecasters say the Santiam and Willamette Passes could receive 2–6 inches of snow, while elevations above 5,000 feet may see close to a foot of accumulation, especially north of the Three Sisters.
By Sunday afternoon, Timberline Lodge had already reported four inches of new snow, transforming the slopes into a white wonderland.
Meteorologist David Bishop with the NWS in Portland said that cooler air is filtering into the Willamette Valley, and residents in higher-elevation communities should prepare for freezing overnight temperatures. The Upper Hood River Valley is already under a freeze watch.
“If you have sensitive plants outside, it’d be worth keeping an eye on what the overnight lows are and take precautions,” Bishop advised.
Travelers heading over the passes are encouraged to check ODOT TripCheck for road conditions and carry traction tires or chains.
This marks one of the first significant snow events of the 2025–26 season, hinting that Oregon’s winter is right around the corner.
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