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WNCWEATHER.COM

Winter weather

In a winter event the only number that matters is the one for your elevation. A storm that gives Asheville a dusting can put half a foot on the Parkway and an inch of ice on the ridges above Burnsville. This page shows accumulation across the vertical range, and what it means for the roads people actually have to drive.

Nothing wintry in the next 48 hours

No snow or ice is forecast at any elevation, and no snow level is in play. This page fills in when winter weather is actually coming — check back then, or see the live elevation profile for current conditions.

Passes and grades

Conditions at the summit, where the road actually closes

  • Pigeon River Gorge

    I-40 west to Tennessee · 1,730 ft · 76°F

    Narrow canyon with rockslide exposure and no shoulder. Fog and freezing spray hold in the gorge long after the ridges clear, and closures reroute traffic hours out of the way.

    Traffic cameras

    • Traffic camera: I-40 at the Tennessee line, Pigeon River Gorge

      I-40 at the Tennessee line, Pigeon River Gorge

      I-40 · NCDOT · location unverified

  • Saluda Grade

    I-26 east into South Carolina · 2,097 ft · 75°F

    The steepest sustained mainline grade in the East. Rain at the bottom is frequently freezing rain at the top, and the transition happens in about four miles.

    Traffic cameras

    • Traffic camera: I-26 at the top of Saluda Grade

      I-26 at the top of Saluda Grade

      I-26 · NCDOT · location unverified

  • Blue Ridge Parkway — Craggy Gardens

    Blue Ridge Parkway · 5,892 ft · 62°F

    Closes first and reopens last. Rime ice forms here when valley temperatures are well above freezing, and gates go up without much notice.

  • US-19E — Spruce Pine to Elk Park

    US-19E · 3,100 ft · 72°F

    Primary route for the Toe River valley with limited alternates. Flood-prone along the river and icy on the climbs at either end.

    Traffic cameras

    • Traffic camera: US-19E near Spruce Pine

      US-19E near Spruce Pine

      US-19E · NCDOT · location unverified

  • NC-80 — Buck Creek Gap

    NC-80 · 3,200 ft · 72°F

    Tight switchbacks climbing to the Parkway. Shaded north-facing curves stay iced over well into the afternoon after a freeze.

We do not report road status. For closures, live conditions and the full camera network, see DriveNC.

Get the snow line by email

When a winter event is coming, we send one email with the forecast snow level, which elevations flip to snow, and when. No daily noise.