Jan. 5, 2026, 10:16 a.m. PT
A winter storm warning has been issued for Oregon’s Cascade Mountain passes from Jan. 6-8 for heavy snow and high winds, according to the National Weather Service in Portland.
1 to 2 feet of snow is forecast across the three days and wind speeds could reach 40 mph at locations including Santiam Pass (U.S. Highway 20), Willamette Pass (Oregon Highway 58) and the Government Camp and Mount Hood area (Highway 26 and 35).
The heaviest snow will be the afternoon and evening of Jan. 6 along with the afternoon and evening of Jan. 7, NWS said in its alert.
While the snow could impact travel, it’s badly needed for Oregon’s ski areas and for winter recreation, which have gotten off to a dreadful start. Most ski areas have only been able to open limited terrain and many have had to close during a time of year that normally sees the slopes at their busiest.
The hit from winter doesn’t appear to be a lasting trend, however. Long-term forecasts are calling for a return to abnormally hot and dry conditions after the winter storm this week.
Western Oregon’s snowpack remains between 22-25% of normal for the season.
Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 18 years and is host of theExplore Oregon Podcast. He can be reached atzurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors and BlueSky atoregonoutdoors.bsky.social