We're dreaming of a white... Thanksgiving?

Snow is slated to fall in the Cascades in the next few days, complicating travel plans and tempting skiers in search of their first runs of the season.

If you're one of the many drivers hitting the road -- or among the snowboarders salivating for fresh powder -- here are five things you need to know heading into the holiday:

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Stephanie Yao Long/File

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Get ready for snow

Amanda Bowen, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Portland, said travelers shouldn't encounter snow at the mountain passes Wednesday but by around daybreak Thursday they will.

She said 6 to 8 inches of snow will accumulate at pass levels Thursday and Thursday night -- with the highest totals possible at the Willamette and Santiam passes, rather than the Mount Hood passes.

Snow levels rise a bit Thursday night into Friday morning, she said, but there will be more accumulation at pass levels Friday.

The weather service says Timberline Lodge, which is well above pass level, could get 21 to 39 inches of snow by Saturday.

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Andy Nelson/The Register-Guard via AP

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The roads are bound to be busy

Most Oregonians can count on three things this time of year: turkey, traffic and terrible political discussion.

Want to avoid the traffic? You probably should have left already.

Kidding. Kind of.

What's the best time to leave? Read up here.

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You should practice putting on snow chains

Practice makes perfect, or so they say.

With that sentiment in mind, grab those snow chains from the garage and practice putting them on your tires before heading into the mountains.

Or put on your winter tires, if you haven't already.

Need a reminder about how to put on chains? Check out the video above.

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Stephanie Yao Long/File

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You might be able to go skiing

Dave Tragethon, Mt. Hood Meadows spokesman, said the resort is shooting to open limited lifts at least one day this weekend. What terrain is open will depend on how much snow Meadows gets.

John Burton, Timberline spokesman, said the resort is waiting for snow and is ready to operate when Mother Nature permits.

Mt. Hood Skibowl, while not open for skiing and snowboarding this weekend, opens its tubing hill Friday.

And Mt. Bachelor in central Oregon is planning to open Saturday and Sunday.

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Jamie Francis/File

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Weather for the way home

Bowen said anyone trying to avoid falling rain or snow while traveling over the mountain passes will be well-served to travel home during the day Saturday or Sunday.

That is, at least, if the forecast holds.

Forecasters expect Government Camp to see partly sunny skies and a 30 percent chance of snow Saturday, as well as mostly cloudy skies and a chance of rain Sunday.

Bowen encouraged travelers to keep track of the latest forecasts because, of course, they're subject to change.

-- Jim Ryan

jryan@oregonian.com

503-221-8005; @Jimryan015

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