Drivers in southwest Washington could face challenging travel conditions early this week as the National Weather Service warns of multiple rounds of mountain snow affecting southern Washington and north‑central Oregon. Although the strongest impacts are expected at high elevations, the advisory includes areas commonly used by Cowlitz County residents traveling toward the Cascades, including approaches near Mount St. Helens.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory running from early Monday through early Thursday. The advisory, published in full by the agency at the National Weather Service, forecasts 4 to 8 inches of snow Monday, followed by an additional 2 to 5 inches Tuesday and 4 to 9 inches Wednesday.

According to reporting by Oregon Public Broadcasting at OPB, the incoming systems mark a sharp shift from this winter’s historically low snowpack across Oregon, which scientists say is unlikely to recover. A related OPB report at Oregon Public Broadcasting details statewide concerns over water supplies and increased fire risk heading into spring and summer.

High‑elevation travel routes expected to become hazardous include Willamette Pass, Bennett Pass, Tombstone Summit, Breitenbush Springs, McKenzie Pass, Government Camp, Santiam Pass, and the Mount St. Helens area. While none of these are primary commuter routes for Longview or Kelso, they are frequent destinations for winter recreation and common east‑west connectors for regional travelers.

The National Weather Service is urging drivers who cannot postpone travel to plan ahead, prepare for rapidly changing conditions, and carry a winter emergency kit. Items recommended by the agency include a flashlight, extra batteries, blankets, water, food, a shovel, and tire chains.

Forecasters also note that some lower‑elevation areas in the Willamette Valley may briefly see snow as cold northern systems move through. However, the Portland forecast office stated that any lowland accumulation is expected to melt quickly once daytime temperatures rise above freezing.

Why this matters for Cowlitz County

While the advisory is centered south of Cowlitz County, residents frequently use mountain passes for work, recreation, and travel to central Oregon. Any prolonged snowfall can complicate cross‑Cascades travel, affect access to trailheads and recreational sites near Mount St. Helens, and signal a broader shift in regional weather patterns during a year already marked by abnormally low snowpack. Local agencies often rely on sustained mountain snow to support summer river flows and lessen wildfire risk—conditions that experts warn may not materialize this season.

Sources

Oregon Public Broadcasting: Snow dumps in store for Cascade passes, National Weather Service warns

Oregon Public Broadcasting: Oregon’s record-low snowpack is not likely to recover, scientists say

National Weather Service: Winter Weather Advisory