Snow road

A winter weather advisory for the east slopes of the Oregon Cascades was issued Thursday, with snow impacting passes and high elevations areas.

Wet snow is expected over 4,000 feet, according to the advisory issued by the National Weather Service in Pendleton. The agency predicted snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches between 4,000 feet and 5,000 feet, and up to 16 inches over 5,000 feet. The advisory will last until Friday evening.

“Periods of moderate and heavy snow will combine with low visibilities to create difficult driving conditions,” according to the advisory.

Joe Solomon, a meteorologist with the weather service, said a winter storm warning issued for the west side of the Cascades also applies to the mountain crests and passes.

Snow is expected Saturday and into Sunday with a break on Monday and then more snow on Monday night and into Tuesday, he said.

The Oregon Department of Transportation advises slowing down and using caution while traveling over Santiam Pass. The latest road conditions can be obtained by visiting tripcheck.com or by calling 511.

Road closures are planned in the coming weeks as winter approaches. The Cascades Lakes Highway and the Paulina Lake Road are scheduled to close on Nov. 19 at 8 a.m., according to the Deschutes County Road Department. Significant weather events may prompt an earlier closure for both roads.

ODOT said it will close the gates to the east side of McKenzie Pass Highway on Friday. The gates on the west side of the pass were closed on Oct. 25.