Travel alert: Snow forecast tonight for mountain passes

WENATCHEE – The forecast for wet but mild weather Sunday and Monday was nice while it lasted.

But quickly changing conditions on the region’s mountain passes spurred a winter weather advisory early Sunday from the National Weather Service. The advisory is in effect.

The advisory warns of 3 to 6 inches of new snow at elevations of 2,500 feet and above Sunday evening and overnight on the eastern slopes of the Cascades. That includes Snoqualmie, Stevens and Blewett passes.

The weather service said northeast Washington and the Idaho Panhandle could expect periods of light to moderate snow through Monday morning during the advisory period, which runs from 10 p.m. Sunday to 10 a.m. Monday in the greater Spokane region.

A winter storm system from the Gulf of Alaska is carrying the precipitation, said the NWS website. Cross-state travelers can expect snowy conditions from 4 p.m. Sunday until 6 a.m. Monday. With winds between 15 and 25 mph, some blowing snow and drifting may occur.

A 100 percent chance of snow is forecast Sunday for Snoqualmie Pass, 90 percent for Stevens Pass and 50 to 80 percent for Blewett Pass.

The snowy weather could cause some travel difficulties, said the advisory. “Be prepared for snow-covered roads and limited visibilities,” said the NWS. “Use caution while driving.”

Residents in lower elevations should expect rain overnight Sunday with low temps in the mid- to low-30s.