Winter Storm Warnings Bring Up to 24 Inches Snow Across Pacific Northwest
Updated (2 articles)
National Weather Service Issues Multi-State Winter Storm Warnings The National Weather Service placed winter storm warnings on Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska on January 7, 2026, projecting up to 24 inches of snow [1]. The advisories cover the period from Wednesday through Thursday, marking the start of widespread travel and public‑safety measures in the Pacific Northwest and parts of Alaska [1]. Local forecasts highlight mountain ranges and key highways most at risk, signaling potential disruptions to travel and services [1].
Travel Conditions Expected to Deteriorate Into Near‑Impossible The agency warned that “travel may be very difficult to impossible” and urged anyone who must drive to do so with extreme caution [1]. Motorists are instructed to keep an extra flashlight, food and water in their vehicles in case of sudden whiteout conditions or road closures [1]. These directives aim to reduce risk during rapidly changing visibility and high‑wind events [1].
Southern Oregon Cascades Forecast 8‑24 Inches Snow and 45 mph Winds The southern Oregon Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains—including areas near Crescent Lake, Diamond Lake, Union Creek and Howard Prairie—are slated for 8 to 24 inches of snow with gusts up to 45 mph [1]. The heaviest accumulation is expected overnight Tuesday through Wednesday into Thursday morning, prompting warnings of road closures and hazardous travel [1]. Local officials are monitoring the situation for possible route shutdowns and rescue operations [1].
Higher Elevations Anticipate Up to Five Feet Snowfall Northern and central Oregon Cascades above 5,000 feet could receive as much as five feet of snow, raising avalanche risk and straining mountain travel [1]. Washington’s Cascades are projected for up to 20 inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 50 mph, while Alaska will see pockets of 60 mph winds with lighter snow totals of 1‑4 inches near population centers [1]. These conditions collectively threaten travel corridors across Snohomish, King, Whatcom, Skagit, Pierce and Lewis counties, as well as coastal communities in southern Alaska [1].
Timeline
Dec 30, 2025 – A winter storm warning is issued for up to 20 inches of snow, with forecasters labeling conditions “life‑threatening” and urging residents to prepare for whiteouts, power outages, and treacherous roads [2].
Jan 7, 2026 – The National Weather Service places winter storm warnings across Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska, projecting as much as 24 inches of snow and warning that “travel may be very difficult to impossible,” while advising drivers to “keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle” [1].
Jan 7, 2026 – In the southern Oregon Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains, the service forecasts 8–24 inches of snow with wind gusts up to 45 mph, prompting expectations of road closures and hazardous travel on routes near Crescent Lake, Diamond Lake, Union Creek and Howard Prairie [1].
Jan 7, 2026 – Higher elevations of the northern and central Oregon Cascades are expected to receive up to 5 feet of snow above 5,000 ft, raising avalanche risk and likely forcing mountain‑area travel restrictions [1].
Jan 7, 2026 – The Washington Cascades face 1–3 feet of snow above 5,000 ft in the south and 2–4 feet across several ranges, with wind gusts up to 50 mph, threatening major mountain corridors in Snohomish, King, Whatcom, Skagit, Pierce and Lewis counties [1].
Jan 7, 2026 – Alaska’s forecast calls for up to 4 inches of snow and 60 mph winds on the southwestern Kenai Peninsula and Kachemak Bay, with visibility possibly reduced to half a mile, while Anchorage and Eagle River see 1–3 inches, creating dangerous travel and shoreline conditions [1].