Winter Weather Expected Tonight Through Wednesday: An unusually cold and strong spring storm will bring strong gusty winds and accumulating snowfall to southern Oregon and northern California. In general, most of the snow will accumulate above 2500 feet with some snow falling down to 1500 feet behind the cold front. The snow will be a significant impact in the Cascades with up to two feet of snow over mountain roadways. Winds will also bring impacts with blowing snow and scattered power outages.

Up to 3″ of snow is possible in the Klamath Falls area from this storm. With warm roadways and a higher sun angle, the snow should melt rapidly. However, this storm may tap into arctic air so there is the possibility of the rapid development of black ice in higher elevations. The travel impacts will likely be in the higher elevations. Anyone driving over mountain areas should be prepared for sudden road closures, downed trees, and slick roadways.

The weather is expected to remain unsettled and showery from Wednesday into next weekend as a low pressure system stalls over the region.


Significant mountain snowfall through Tuesday. 1 to 2 feet is expected in the high terrain. Most snow impacts will occur at 2500 feet and above, though occasionally the snow levels will dip to below those levels, particularly at night and morning timeframes. Worst road conditions are likely at night/morning timeframe.

Strong winds are expected with this spring storm. High winds will impact the coast, mountains, and areas east of the Cascades. Moderate to strong winds will impact some inland areas west of the Cascades.

Moderate to heavy snow is expected in the mountains tonight into Monday. Snow levels will be 1500 to 2000 feet, but soil and road temperatures will be too warm for significant accumulations below 2500 feet. The heaviest snows will occur tonight into Monday morning, with 1 inch per hour snowfall rates likely, but additional periods of moderate snow will continue into Monday evening. Some guidance suggests that impacts could continue through Wednesday, but confidence is a bit lower on that specific detail.

Weather Warnings:

..WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
11 AM PDT TUESDAY…

* WHAT…Heavy, wet snow snow accumulations of 13 to 21 inches.
Winds gusting as high as 65 mph over exposed terrain.

* WHERE…South Central Oregon Cascades including including
Highways 58, 62, 230, and 138. This also includes Crater Lake,
Diamond Lake, Crescent Lake, the resort at Willamette Pass,
and Union Creek.

* WHEN…From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 AM PDT Tuesday.

* IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Patchy
blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Strong
winds could cause tree damage.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…

* View the hazard area in detail at
https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

* 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.

…HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 11 PM PDT MONDAY…
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 11 PM PDT MONDAY…

* WHAT…West winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected.
Higher wind gusts are possible over high terrain and other
exposed areas. Periods of snow and blowing snow could
significantly lower visibilities.

* WHERE…The High Wind Warning includes much of the higher
terrain of Lake, Modoc, and eastern Klamath counties, as well as
Paisley, Summer Lake, Valley Falls, and portions of highways 31,
140, and 395. All other areas are in the Wind Advisory,
including Lakeview, Silver Lake, Alturas, Adel, and Fort Rock.

* WHEN…From 5 AM to 11 PM PDT Monday.

* IMPACTS…Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines.
Power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially
for high profile vehicles.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Snowfall is forecast, but amounts should be
light, generally around 2 inches or less for area roadways.
However, with strong winds, blowing snow could result in very
low visibilities at times.

* View the hazard area in detail at
https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around
trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of
your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if
you must drive.