Weather service warns of slick roads, mountain snow

WENATCHEE — A complex winter weather system is expected to bring challenging travel conditions to North Central Washington this weekend, with forecasters warning of a wintry mix including freezing rain, snow, and ice pellets across the region.

The National Weather Service in Spokane issued a detailed forecast Wednesday indicating high confidence for a significant pattern change beginning Saturday. The Wenatchee Valley and surrounding areas face the highest risk, with a 40-60% chance of freezing rain Friday night into Saturday.

"Some roads could become slick where untreated," the Weather Service stated in its briefing. "Precipitation will come in many forms including rain, snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain."

The forecast shows both Stevens Pass and Blewett Pass could see increased snow accumulation Saturday afternoon through night, impacting two major transportation corridors through the Cascades. Weather Service maps indicate snowfall is expected to intensify across these mountain routes as the system progresses.

Prior to the weekend system, residents across the region will contend with persistent low clouds and isolated freezing drizzle through Friday. The Weather Service has increased its freezing rain probability forecast for Central Washington by 10% from its previous briefing.

Specific communities face varying risks, with Chelan showing a 59% probability of receiving 0.01 inches or more of freezing rain, while Wenatchee faces a 31% chance. The wintry mix is expected to give way to scattered snow showers by Saturday evening, continuing into Sunday.

While forecasters note that "significant ice or snow accumulations are not expected," they emphasize that travel could be impacted, particularly Saturday morning.

The Weather Service has classified the overall weather risk for Saturday as "minor" on its scale ranging from "little to none" to "extreme," with mountain pass snow anticipated during the afternoon hours.

The complex weather pattern is expected to begin easing Sunday, though scattered snow showers will persist through Monday.