UPDATE at 6:55 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 6

About seven inches fell on Oregon's mountain passes in the Central Cascade Range Saturday night and Sunday morning, and more is expected today.

Another seven to 11 inches are forecast for Santiam and Willamette passes today, with similar or slightly lower amounts expected across much of the rest of the Cascade Range.

Another 3 to 5 inches are possible Sunday night into Monday.

Snow dropped as low as 2,000 feet, impacting areas such as Marion Forks and Sisters overnight.

The 50 mph winds that slammed the passes Saturday night have largely passed, with winds today expected at 7 to 14 mph.

"Expect snow covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving," said a winter weather advisory from the National Weather Service.

See TripCheck.com for current conditions.

One interesting note from last night's storm was how little snow accumulated in the Mount Hood area. While Santiam Pass got almost seven inches, the Mount Hood area got less than two in most cases.

"It seems like there was some drier air Mt Hood northward ahead of the storm," the National Weather Service said on Twitter. "This likely evaporated some snow initially before it could reach the ground. Also, strong upslope west winds likely enhanced the snow for Santiam Pass.

"Some of it could have simply been random distribution of heavier precipitation, too."

"It was above freezing in Government Camp yesterday, so it took a while for the roads/ground to cool enough to accumulate snow. Also, looks like Santiam had a couple hours of very heavy snow 1-2 am and 4-5 am."

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ORIGINAL STORY

An incoming storm is expected to bring 10 to 16 inches of snow and high winds to Oregon's Cascade Range passes this weekend, meteorologists said.

The system is expected to hammer the mountains Saturday evening through Sunday with 50 mph winds and snow as low as 2,000 feet.

At the highest pass levels, a total of 1 to 2 feet of snow are possible by Monday night, when the storm blows out, meteorologist Shawn Weagle said.

Travel conditions could be very difficult.

The biggest impacts will be on Cascade passes including U.S. Highway 22 across Santiam Pass, Highway 26 near Government Camp and Highway 58 across Willamette Pass.

"Most significant combination of snow and wind is expected late tonight and early Sunday morning," said a winter weather advisory from National Weather Service. "Brief white-out conditions are possible due to heavy snow and wind."

Snow adventure with kids near Salem?:Try these two places on Santiam Pass

It's good news for those who enjoy winter recreation, but it could also snarl traffic. Last weekend, snow on the mountain passes combined with big crowds around Mount Hood brought traffic to a standstill around Government Camp.

The heavy snow is expected to begin Saturday night and last through the night into Sunday and Sunday evening.

More:These 22 Oregon winter adventures offer snow, waterfalls and hot springs

While the heaviest accumulations will be above 4,000 feet, snow will drop as low as 2,000 feet during Saturday and Sunday evenings.

At Marion Forks, at 2,400 feet, around 2 to 4 inches could accumulate on roadways.

Drivers should expect challenging conditions and are encouraged to visit TripCheck.com before traveling.

More:10 beautiful snowshoe routes near Salem

Oregon’s snowpack is currently below average in the west — 60 to 70 percent of normal in the Cascades — but fairly close to normal in Eastern Oregon. This storm could boost that quite a lot, Weagle said.

As for the Willamette Valley and coast, rain and wind is forecast with possible high winds Saturday night.

More:Best snowy waterfall hikes and snowshoe trips