Snow Report: Wind Holds & Shifting Snow- Cascades Feel the Storm’s Full Force

The mountain resorts surrounding Central Oregon are feeling the full force of this week’s storm, with high winds and shifting snow levels impacting operations across the Cascades. 

Mt. Bachelor was forced to shut down all mountain operations at 10:00 AM today due to dangerous gusts reaching up to 60 mph, which made lift travel unsafe. While the mountain did pick up about 6 inches of fresh snow over the last 48 hours, the wind has been the primary factor affecting today’s closures.

Nearby at Hoodoo Ski Area, the annual Winter Carnival is still technically on, but it has been scaled back to a "Lite" version this year; due to recent rain and a lack of deep snow, fan-favorite events like the Dummy Downhill and snow sculptures have unfortunately been canceled.

Looking ahead, travelers should prepare for a messy Friday as a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the passes.

We’re expecting another 4 inches of heavy, wet snow above 4,000 feet through Saturday morning, which will likely make for slick driving conditions and gusty winds on the Santiam and Willamette passes.

The good news for skiers and riders is that the weather takes a turn for the better on Sunday. As the wind calms and the sun finally breaks through, Sunday is shaping up to be the best day of the week for mountain recreation before a major warmup hits the region on Monday.

Be sure to check back in here for updates as conditions shift, and as always, check TripCheck before heading over the passes!

Don’t forget to download the Local Alert Weather App to stay connected with our team of meteorologists. 

You can get access to LIVE radar and receive urgent weather alerts so you’re always prepared.