Heavy snowstorms swept across the Cascades and much of the Pacific Northwest this week, blanketing mountain communities, snarling travel, and prompting urgent warnings from meteorologists and officials alike. As of Wednesday, January 7, 2026, residents and travelers in Oregon and Washington found themselves navigating a rapidly shifting landscape of snow, wind, and hazardous conditions, with the threat expected to persist through Thursday afternoon.
According to KATU, the latest winter blast delivered between nine and sixteen inches of fresh powder to Mt. Hood ski resorts in the last 24 hours. Timberline reported the highest accumulation at 16 inches, followed by Mt. Hood Meadows with 13 inches, and Ski Bowl with nine inches. Even lower-elevation resorts like HooDoo and Willamette Pass saw measurable snow, coming in at 4.4 and three inches, respectively. Crews at Government Camp worked tirelessly to keep the downtown streets clear, deploying snowplows and snow blowers to stay ahead of the relentless precipitation.
But the storm’s impact extended far beyond the slopes. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Portland issued a Winter Storm Warning that remains in effect through 4 p.m. Thursday, January 8, 2026, cautioning that elevations above 5,000 feet could see up to three feet of snow before the system moves out. For the eastern slopes of the Cascades, including Black Butte Ranch, Sisters, Sunriver, and La Pine, the NWS warned of up to 20 inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 50 mph. "If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded," NWS Pendleton advised in its official messaging.
As meteorologist Rhonda Shelby told KATU, “We could see five to nine inches of snow today, and five to nine inches of snow tonight. Blowing snow is also possible tonight as the next storm systems blows through.” Shelby also noted that some residents living above 1,000 feet could see snow mixing in with heavy showers, as freezing levels hovered above Salem at 2,871 feet and snow levels dropped to around 1,871 feet on Wednesday morning.
Despite the warnings, the arrival of deep snow was met with enthusiasm by many in the region—especially after a slow start to the season. Scott Cascella, one visitor to the mountains, told KATU, “I was a little worried because the winter advisory is on, but I checked the webcam and the road looked okay so we came up and did it. Two-wheel drive vehicle, didn’t put chains on, but I have them just in case. We’re loving the snow, it gives us a chance to get out on our skis and snowboard.” Miguel Martinez echoed this sentiment, saying, “Well I guess this season, it’s been late to get to snow. It’s nice to actually get up here and enjoy it with the kids.” Others, like Henry Craft, highlighted the economic boost for local businesses: “I’m floored that it’s snowing. It’s great, it’s about time, mid-January. It’s just cool to see it open, happy for the ski resorts too because they get to operate and they need the business.”
But for those on the move, the storm spelled trouble. The NWS Pendleton, in a warning issued at 10:43 p.m. on January 7, 2026, stressed that "periods of moderate and heavy snow will combine with low visibilities to create difficult driving conditions. Persons should consider delaying all travel." The warning specifically covered the Oregon East Slopes of the Cascades and the Upper Slopes of the Eastern Washington Cascades Crest, with additional snow accumulations of up to nine inches and winds gusting as high as 40 mph. Power outages were also a concern, with residents urged to report any downed lines and avoid contact with them.
In Washington, the situation was just as severe. As reported by MyNorthwest, a cold weather system barreled through western Washington, bringing up to 18 inches of snow to the mountains and wind gusts as high as 35 mph across counties including Snohomish, King, Whatcom, Skagit, Pierce, and Lewis. The NWS issued a winter storm warning for these areas, effective until 4 p.m. Thursday, January 8, 2026. The agency cautioned that travel could be “very difficult to impossible” in some spots, particularly during the Wednesday evening commute. “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency, and check road conditions before departing. Prepare for possible power outages,” NWS stated.
Seattle itself was spared the brunt of the snow, with mostly rain and snow showers expected through Wednesday night and into Thursday morning, and temperatures hovering around 35 degrees. Still, wind gusts up to 21 mph were forecast, and the city braced for mixed precipitation and slick roads. Meanwhile, Bellingham saw snow sticking on I-5 Wednesday morning, the result of a storm sweeping down from British Columbia. In the Mount Baker wilderness, forecasters predicted two to four feet of snow, while Chelan County faced a winter storm warning with five to ten inches expected and nearly a foot in higher elevations, along with wind gusts up to 30 mph.
The coastal regions weren’t spared either. A High Surf Advisory remained in effect for the northern Washington Coast and Grays Harbor County Coast zones until 10 a.m. Thursday. The NWS warned of large breaking waves and dangerous sneaker waves, which could knock people off their feet, move driftwood and debris, and crash over rocks and jetties. “Never turn your back on the ocean, and keep children and pets close. Know the tides and forecast conditions. Follow warning signs and respect barriers,” the NWS advised.
Further inland, the storm’s intensity was on full display near Spokane. The National Weather Service in Spokane issued a snow squall warning for north central Whitman County and eastern Spokane County, effective until 7:15 p.m. PST on January 7, 2026. The squall, detected at 6:46 p.m., was moving northeast at 30 mph and brought flash freezing, intense bursts of heavy snow, gusty winds up to 20 mph, and rapidly falling visibility. The westbound lanes of Interstate 90 near the Four Lakes exit and Cheney ground to a halt as conditions deteriorated, prompting officials to urge drivers to avoid travel and prepare for sudden changes in road conditions. Wet roadways quickly froze, creating black ice and making travel dangerous and, at times, life-threatening.
With the Winter Storm Warning set to continue through Thursday afternoon, meteorologists expect a brief respite by Friday before another round of showers returns on Saturday. Weather models hint at a possible stretch of drier weather next week, but for now, residents and travelers across the Cascades and Pacific Northwest are heeding the warnings, bundling up, and hoping for safe passage through this latest winter onslaught.
