Map Shows States Getting the Worst Snowstorms This Weekend

Seven states are expecting additional snowfall this weekend as winter storms work through the Western U.S., with upper snowfall limits ranging from 13 to 24 inches depending on the state.

An atmospheric river arrived in the Pacific Northwest earlier this week, bringing heavy rain and snow. Snowstorms will continue this weekend for the seven Western states— including Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Nevada—as the storm works through the region.

Additional snowfall is expected this weekend in each of those states, with the highest amounts likely in mountainous regions.

Oregon

The heaviest snow in Oregon is expected in the cities of Siskiyou Summit, Howard Prairie, Crescent Lake and Diamond Lake, with up to 20 inches accumulating from Sunday evening into Monday.

"Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult to impossible," the winter storm watch from the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Medford said. "The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes."

Washington

Washington is expecting the most snowfall of all the seven states, with up to 24 inches of heavy snow in locations about 2,500 feet in the Cascades, the NWS office in Seattle warned. Locally higher amounts over the region's highest peaks are possible as well.

Snow will begin falling late Friday night and continue through Monday evening, the winter storm watch said.

"Snow may briefly transition to rain through Stevens and Snoqualmie Passes Saturday night before changing back to snow Sunday evening," the alert said. "Slushy conditions are possible where rain occurs."

Lower amounts between 1 and 6 inches are expected in valley areas, the NWS office in Spokane said.

California

Various winter weather alerts are in place throughout the Golden State, with the highest snowfall expected in Yosemite National Park and Kings Canyon National Park, as well as surrounding regions. Up to 13 inches of snow is expected to fall in higher elevations through Friday night.

Snow blows in the Sierra Nevada on March 29, 2023, in Mammoth Lakes, California. Seven states are expecting additional snowfall this weekend, including California. Mario Tama/Getty

NWS meteorologist Katrina Hand from the Sacramento office told Newsweek that the snowy weather was related to the atmospheric river that hit the Pacific Northwest, though the California impacts weren't considered to be of atmospheric river caliber.

The worst of the snow fell overnight Thursday, but some additional amounts are expected to fall throughout Friday.

Mountainous regions in the San Diego forecast region also are expecting snow, though lighter amounts at up to 4 inches, through Friday night.

Idaho

Up to 10 inches of snow is expected to fall through Saturday morning in high-elevation passes in southern Idaho, according to a winter weather advisory issued by the Pocatello office.

The snow was likely to affect travel overnight Friday into Saturday morning, particularly for Emigration Pass.

Up to 4 inches of snow was expected for areas below 5,500 feet in elevation.

Montana

Higher elevations in Montana are expecting up to 10 inches of snow through Saturday morning, with up to 4 inches expected in low-elevation areas.

The Missoula forecast office warned of minor impacts for the lower amounts and moderate impacts for the 3- to 6-inch range. It urged drivers to use caution, especially on Friday night.

Utah

Northern Utah is expecting up to 12 inches of snow in the Wasatch Mountains and western Uinta Mountains through Saturday afternoon.

"Winter driving conditions are expected on routes, including Sardine Canyon, Parleys Canyon, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and Little Cottonwood Canyon," a winter weather advisory issued by the Salt Lake City forecast office said. "Snow rates will peak in excess of 1 inch per hour at times Friday evening through Saturday morning."

Nevada

Western Nevada was expecting snowfall up to 10 inches in areas above 6,500 feet elevation through Friday night. Around 1 to 3 inches of snow was expected for lower-elevation areas.

"Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning and evening commutes," the Reno office said.