Cascades: winter storm warning

A winter storm warning takes effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday for the Oregon and southern Washington Cascades, with heavy snow and 45 mile-per-hour gusts expected into early Thursday. (opb.org) The National Weather Service says 12 to 20 inches of snow could fall above 2,500 feet between Tuesday evening, April 14, and 5 a.m. Thursday, April 16. Forecasters also said there is a slight chance of wet snow as low as 1,000 feet. (opb.org) The warning covers the North Oregon Cascades, the Cascades of Marion and Linn counties, the Cascades of Lane County, and the South Washington Cascades. The Portland forecast office posted the warning on its hazards map Monday night. (weather.gov) The timing matters for drivers crossing the mountains midweek. The North Oregon Cascades forecast calls for pass winds of 15 to 20 miles per hour Tuesday and Tuesday night, with gusts up to 45 miles per hour as snow intensifies. (forecast.weather.gov) Forecasters said the heaviest snow is expected late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, with Marion and Lane counties likely to see the strongest burst. The National Weather Service urged people to postpone travel over Cascade passes until conditions improve. (opb.org) Oregon drivers can be required to carry chains or traction tires when signs are posted, and chain rules tighten for heavier vehicles and for anyone towing. The Oregon Department of Transportation says those restrictions can apply on any state highway in winter conditions. (tripcheck.com) TripCheck’s statewide map showed active weather alerts Monday for the North Oregon Cascades, the Cascades of Marion and Linn counties, the Cascades of Lane County, the South Washington Cascades, and the East Slopes of the Cascades. The site also publishes cameras, road conditions, and closure notices for pass routes. (tripcheck.com) The storm is arriving in mid-April, not the core of winter, but mountain snow is still common at Cascade elevations. After the warning expires early Thursday, the National Weather Service forecast points to cooler, clearer weather before temperatures warm again this weekend. (opb.org; forecast.weather.gov)