Snowfall in Oregon: A Region-by-Region Breakdown

Oregon's snowfall varies dramatically across its diverse geography. The state splits into two broad climatic zones:

1. Western Oregon (West of Cascades)

• Coast (Astoria, Newport, Brookings): Mild marine. Rare snow (0–5"/yr); rain/sleet mix. Cold snaps bring brief dustings.
• Willamette Valley (Portland, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis): 5–15"/yr average. 2–5 events/year; rarely >6" at once. "Silver Thaw" (freezing rain) more disruptive. Elevation matters: West Hills (Portland) get 2–3x valley floor.
• Cascade Range (Mt. Hood, Santiam, Willamette, McKenzie Passes): Snowbelt. 300–500"+ at pass elevations (3,000–5,000 ft). Ski resorts (Timberline, Meadows, Hoodoo, Bachelor) operate Nov–May. Mt. Hood summit: ~400–500" annually.

2. Eastern Oregon (East of Cascades)

• High Desert / Columbia Plateau (Bend, Redmond, Burns, Ontario, Hermiston): 10–30"/yr. Cold, dry; snow persists weeks. Bend (3,600 ft) ~24"; Burns (4,100 ft) ~30".
• Blue Mountains / Wallowas (Baker City, La Grande, Enterprise, Joseph): 50–150"+. Orographic lift. Anthony Lakes, Spout Springs ski areas. Wallowas ("Oregon's Alps") hold snow into June.
• Klamath Basin (Klamath Falls): ~40–60"; high elevation (4,100 ft), continental.

Key Drivers

• Elevation: +1,000 ft ≈ +20–30% snow.
• Pacific Storm Track: Winter atmospheric rivers hit Coast Range & Cascades.
• Rain Shadow: East of Cascades = drier, but cold enough for snow.

Portland (airport): 30-yr normal = 4.3". Bend: 23.8". Mt. Hood (Govt Camp, 3,980 ft): 300+".