Bellingham, WA – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for parts of northern Washington, warning of 6 to 8 inches of snow in the Cascades of Whatcom, Skagit, and Western Okanogan Counties through Wednesday morning, October 29. The advisory remains in effect until 11 a.m. PDT, as forecasters caution of slippery roads, poor visibility, and hazardous travel conditions across mountain passes.
The Weather Alert and Affected Areas
According to the NWS offices in Seattle and Spokane, the advisory covers Mount Baker, the Cascades of Whatcom and Skagit Counties, and Washington Pass in Western Okanogan County.
Snow levels are expected to drop to around 4,500 feet overnight, bringing accumulating snow to higher elevations. The heaviest snowfall is forecast to occur early Wednesday morning, when temperatures will dip below freezing in some locations.
Total snowfall amounts between 6 and 8 inches are possible, which could make driving difficult across key routes, including State Route 20 and access roads near Mount Baker Ski Area.
Impacts on Travel and Safety Precautions
Forecasters warn that the combination of snow accumulation and reduced visibility will create dangerous driving conditions for those traveling through the mountain passes. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) urges drivers to slow down, increase following distance, and carry emergency supplies if traveling overnight.
“Snow-covered roads and limited visibility are expected across the higher passes,” the NWS said in its advisory. “Motorists should allow extra time to reach their destinations.”
Drivers are encouraged to check live pass conditions and weather updates before traveling through the mountains by visiting wsdot.wa.gov/travel or using the WSDOT mobile app for real-time updates.
The Mount Baker Ski Area, which saw early snowfall earlier this month, could receive another half-foot or more of fresh snow, potentially creating slick access roads and minor avalanche risks on unmaintained slopes.
Background: Early Signs of Winter in Washington
The latest snowfall follows an unseasonably cool pattern across the Pacific Northwest, signaling the early stages of winter weather in Washington’s higher elevations.
Meteorologists say a cold front moving south from British Columbia is responsible for the latest round of mountain snow. The system is expected to exit the region by Wednesday afternoon, giving way to partly sunny skies but continued cold temperatures through Thursday.
The NWS Seattle office reports that similar systems could impact the region again next week, possibly extending snow coverage farther south toward Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass.
Ongoing Monitoring and Next Steps
The NWS will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates if snowfall intensifies or if additional warnings become necessary. Drivers in northern and central Washington are urged to stay informed through local weather forecasts and WSDOT’s travel alerts.
With colder weather settling in, officials are reminding residents to winterize their vehicles, pack snow chains, and check tire conditions ahead of future snow events.
Conclusion
With up to 8 inches of snow expected by Wednesday morning, travelers heading through the Cascades of Whatcom, Skagit, and Western Okanogan Counties should prepare for winter driving conditions and potential delays. Authorities continue to stress caution and preparedness as Washington experiences one of its earliest and most significant snowfalls of the season.
What are your plans for the winter weather this week? Share how you’re preparing in the comments below.
