Local Alert Weather Day Wednesday as robust mountain snow likely this week, spotty snow over the high desert

Bend, Ore (KTVZ)— The resorts will be happy with this forecast as there will be several inches, closer to a couple of feet, of snow by the end of the week. This will jumpstart the poor conditions to more seasonable snow levels. 

Travel through the mountains will be impacted greatly by this week’s snow, so if you have plans to travel west, make sure you are prepared for the heavy snow. A Winter Storm Warning goes into effect Tuesday morning and will last through Thursday afternoon.

As for the high desert, this event will not be nearly as impactful as the chance for measurable snow will be south of Lava Butte. I do expect to see a couple of inches of snow overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning followed by some more snow Wednesday. The amounts are manageable, likely a couple of inches, but the roads will be slick and the travel slower. 

South of Lava Butte, more specifically La Pine and Sunriver, there will be 2 - 4” total from now until early Thursday. This is also manageable, but will generate some travel issues.

The Local Alert Weather Day for Wednesday has been issued as a way to reinforce the concept of inconvenient weather that will impact your plans.  No need to cancel them, just be prepared.  We count the wintry patterns for the high desert as our coverage area, the mountains are going to be significantly impacted, but only as a travel concern, not daily living activities.

Once the rounds of snow and rain clear Central Oregon by Thursday, we will be dry and milder heading into the weekend.

In fact, the long-range forecast for Central Oregon has very little chance for any precipitation.

Please, Stay safe.

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.