By Rod Hill on 2013-11-27
The first low snow levels of the season are set to arrive before the Thanksgiving holiday weekend comes to an end. Motorists should realize conditions will be dry to start holiday travels, but turn stormy for the drive home. A strong cold front tracking to arrive Sunday morning will drop snow levels below Cascade passes during the afternoon. Snow levels will be near 1,000' Monday! Cascade travel will likely be impacted with heavy accumulating snow in the forecast. Motorists driving over the mountains should prepare for all out winter conditions before the weekend comes to an end. The low snow level may also produce snow and ice over the high Coast Range passes Sunday night and Monday.
Here are the elevations for the most traveled highways in our local region, starting with the Cascades:
1. Government Camp, US Highway 26: 4,026 feet
2. Santiam Pass, Hwy 20: 4,817 feet
3. Willamette Pass, Hwy 58: 5,128 feet
4. Siskiyou Pass, I-5 south: 4,310 feet
5. Snoqualmie Pass, I-90: 3,022 feet
Coast Range Passes:
1. Highway 26: 1,600 feet
2. Murphy Hill, Hwy 18: 760 feet
3. Dudlee Hill, Hwy 20: 860 feet
Keep in mind, if current forecast temperatures for the Cascades are correct, Sunday highs in the 20s at Government Camp would likely lead to snow packed roadways with ODOT putting down rock and plowing as needed. Traction tires and or chains should be carried.
Please keep updated and have a safe holiday weekend.
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