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Cascades Blanketed in Snow as Winter Arrives Early in Washington
18 Oct
Summary
- NWS issues winter weather advisories for mountain regions of Washington
- 4-8 inches of snow expected above 4,500 feet, hazardous travel conditions
- Drivers urged to slow down, allow extra time, and stay informed on road conditions
As of October 18th, 2025, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter weather advisories for the mountain regions of Washington state. The advisories, issued from the NWS offices in Seattle and Spokane, highlight the risk of travel difficulties, slippery roads, and hazardous conditions, particularly for motorists and backcountry visitors.
The advisories cover the Cascades of Whatcom and Skagit Counties, including Mount Baker, as well as Western Okanogan County, including Washington Pass. In these areas, the NWS expects total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches above 4,500 feet and 4,000 feet, respectively, from Saturday evening through Sunday evening.
The NWS has warned that roads, especially bridges and overpasses, may become slick and hazardous, making travel very difficult. Motorists and recreational visitors in these mountain regions are strongly advised to monitor NWS updates and the Washington State Department of Transportation's real-time travel alerts before and during their journeys.
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The winter weather advisories emphasize the need for preparedness and caution among residents and travelers within the impacted areas. The NWS has urged drivers to slow down, allow for extra time, and stay informed on the latest road and weather conditions to ensure safe travel across the Cascades and high passes.
