Klamath Alerts Weather Outlook – Holiday Winter Weather Inbound
Posted 12-22-21
Snow and much colder air are on the way for Christmas weekend and beyond! An extended period of snow, wind, and modified arctic air are expected to arrive during Christmas weekend. The NWS Medford says it is best to complete your holiday travel by December 24th (or sooner) and carry an emergency kit in your vehicle. Travel could become extremely dangerous at times.
An unusually strong high pressure system off the coast next to an unusually strong low pressure system will block warmer ocean air and bring down modified arctic air with multiple cold snow storms to our region. This will create low snow levels for an extended period of time. The snow will become increasingly more dry and powdery which will allow it to blow and drift in some areas.
Klamath Falls Update: The NWS Medford says that they do not expect unusually large amounts of snow for Klamath Falls with these storms. However, we can expect to see an extended period of light snow followed by very cold air. Sub zero or single digit night temperatures are also a possibility for our area after Christmas. The snow and ice will likely stay around after the storms due to the cold air that will be in place after the Christmas weekend.
Medford, Oregon may see 2-3 inches of snow Saturday into Monday. Travel could be extremely difficult in the mountain passes over the weekend.
ODOT Winter Weather Statement Issued Today:
If you take to the roads this holiday season be aware that your travels may become treacherous, with freezing temperatures and snow expected in many corners of Oregon.
The Willamette Valley, the mountains, the Columbia River Gorge and Central, Southern and Eastern Oregon all likely will see varying degrees of snow and freezing temperatures over the three-day holiday weekend and into the following week.
Be prepared. Travelers may encounter hazardous winter conditions.
ODOT’s staffing shortages mean we may need a little more time to clear roads, whether it be snow or slides. This is a continuation of a staffing trend we saw last year. We’re working hard to fill vacant positions and will shift resources as needed when we see significant snow or other issues on our roads.
Our crews are on duty around the clock to keep the roads safe and clear problems as quickly as possible.
Here are a few holiday travel tips.
- Know before you go. Visit tripcheck.com and see road conditions along your route, start to finish.
- Remember that many tripcheck.com cameras include temperature, elevation and other critical details about road conditions.
- Drive for conditions. If encountering rain, mud, snow, ice or extra traffic be sure to slow down and give extra space for stopping.
- Keep your vehicle in good operating shape, checking brakes, lights, tires and wipers regularly.
- Watch out for bicyclists and pedestrians. In wintry conditions, visibility drops.
- Pay attention to roadside message signs. They contain critical information about conditions on the road ahead.
- Be patient, wear your seat belt, pay attention to conditions and keep a sober driver behind the wheel to help ensure a safe arrival for holiday activities.
In recent days, snow has forced the closure of U.S. 97 into California and of Interstate 5 over the Siskiyou Pass into the Mount Shasta area. Be extra careful whether traveling through the Columbia River Gorge, the Coast Range or the Cascades.
Snow is expected so be prepared, be flexible and be careful.
Winter Storm Warning Issued For Shaded Areas Above:
Winter Storm Warning issued December 22 at 2:41PM PST until December 23 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Medford
…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST THURSDAY…
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST FRIDAY…
* WHAT… For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 18 to 24 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. For the Winter Weather Advisory, snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 10 to 20 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.
* WHERE… For the Warning, the Crater Lake area. For the Advisory, portions of Highway 58 near Willamette Pass, portions of Highways 138, 62, and 230 in the Diamond Lake area, portions of Highway 140 near Lake of the Woods, and the Mount Ashland Ski Road in the South Central Oregon Cascades, Siskiyou Mountains, and Southern Oregon Cascades.
* WHEN… From 4 PM Wednesday to 4 AM PST Friday.
* IMPACTS… Plan on slippery road conditions.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS… New snow accumulations at Siskiyou Summit on I-5 are expected to be generally less than 3 inches during this time period. Additional snowfall with lower snow levels is likely between the 24th and the 30th of December. Be sure to check for additional details as that time frame nears because travel is likely to be significantly affected by winter weather, at times, during that time period.
* View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr
* Travel is strongly discouraged because of dangerous conditions.
* If you must travel, keep tire chains, a flashlight, blankets, food, water, medications, and a fully charged phone with you.
* The safest place during a winter storm is indoors.
* A Winter Storm Warning means that severe winter weather is imminent, and poses a threat to life and property. Take protective action now.
* See https://www.tripcheck.com or http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov for latest road conditions.
Winter Weather Advisory Issued For Majority of Klamath County
Winter Weather Advisory issued December 22 at 2:41PM PST until December 24 at 4:00AM PST by NWS Medford
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST FRIDAY…
* WHAT… Snow expected. Total new snow accumulations of 4 to 10 inches likely. Wind gusts from the southwest at 30 to 50 mph are possible, at times, leading to blowing and drifting snow, mainly in exposed areas.
* WHERE… In Modoc County, California, portions of Highway 139 between Canby and Adin, portions of Highway 299 at and near Cedar Pass, and a portion of Highway 395 between Davis Creek and Willow Ranch. In Oregon, portions of Highway 97 from around Modoc Point northward to Gilchrist, and portions of Highway 140 between Bly and Adel.
* WHEN… From 4 PM Wednesday to 4 AM PST Friday. The heaviest snowfall is most likely to occur between 9 PM PST and 7 AM PST Thursday morning.
* IMPACTS… Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS… Additional snowfall with lower snow levels is likely between the 24th and the 30th of December. Be sure to check for additional details as that time frame nears because travel is likely to be significantly affected by winter weather, at times, during that time period.
* View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr
