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yesterday

Western Winter Storm Dumps Feet of Snow as Warnings Start to Ease

Forecasts point to a quick taper with clearing followed by a weekend warm-up.

LAKE VIEW, NEW YORK - JANUARY 1: Drew Ahmed clears lake effect snow from his home January 1, 2026 in Lake View, New York. A massive cold front and strong winds traveling the entire length of Lake Erie combine to produce a rare phenomenon known as a seiche as well as dropping up to three feet of lake effect snow in Buffalo, New York and the surrounding suburbs. (Photo by John Normile/Getty Images)
Snow covers the boat launch ramp and outbuildings at Honeysuckle Beach along the shores of Hayden Lake in Idaho, Coeur d'Alene area, in May 2025.
Image credit: WSDOT

Overview

  • The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings across parts of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado and New Mexico, with forecasts ranging from up to 19 inches in some lower passes to 12–48 inches at higher elevations in the Cascades and Olympics.
  • Snow squall warnings near Spokane led to multiple crashes and a temporary shutdown of westbound I-90 at the Four Lakes interchange, with one lane reopened late Wednesday night as crews continued cleanup.
  • In Central Oregon, the Cascades were set to add 3–7 inches Thursday before a Winter Storm Warning expires at 4 p.m., with clearing expected Friday and a milder, drier weekend.
  • Mt. Bachelor reported heavy new snowfall and urged deep-snow precautions, warning of snow immersion suffocation and tree-well hazards and advising guests to ski or ride with a partner.
  • Southern and central Colorado face Thursday night and Friday morning commute impacts under Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories, with 3–8 inches expected around the Pikes Peak region and higher totals on the Palmer Divide and in the mountains.