Stormy Pattern With Rain and High Elevation Snow Expected To Return Wednesday
The high pressure system that has been responsible for our clear skies and warmer days is beginning to break down. A somewhat weak frontal system is expected to pass through Tuesday night (Tuesday should still be a warm day at partly cloudy and 62) into Wednesday followed by a stronger front later in the week around Friday into Saturday that will likely provide rain for the Klamath Falls area and high elevation snow.
From the NWS Medford:
You may be wondering if any of this precipitation will fall as snow in the mountains. Long answer short is…yes. The more nuanced answer is that snow levels will range from about 4000 feet to 6000 feet during the periods of precipitation. 5 to 10 inches of snow are expected in the Cascades, Siskiyous, and high terrain of Siskiyou County above 5000 feet Friday into Saturday.
We hope you enjoyed our taste of spring, we sure did! Hopefully it will return again soon. However, forecast models show an active weather pattern for the near future.
More Snow Followed By Warmer Sunny Weather Into Weekend
The latest forecast information suggests that our region will see another snow storm early Tuesday morning. Right now the storm appears to be more of a high elevation snow maker, but around an inch or two of slushy snow or possibly snow mixed with some rain is possible locally here in Klamath Falls. The storm should begin to impact the area between about 4am or 5am and begin to wind down around 11am according to current forecast data from the NWS.
One thing to consider with this incoming storm is that the snow is expected to fall in a relative short period of time. The higher elevations may see up to 2-4 inches (6-8 inches in higher elevations such as Crater Lake, Diamond Lake Etc) of snow in a short 6-12 hour period of time. The expected snow fall rates could cause travel disruptions on areas of Highway 140 between Klamath Falls and Medford as well as Highway 97 north of town (generally from Modoc Point north).
Above: An aerial image taken in Klamath Falls about 2:45pm yesterday after an unexpected snow storm arrived in the morning hours.
Due to the incoming storm, a winter weather advisory has been issued for the higher elevations of Klamath County.
Areas in purple depict the winter weather advisory currently in effect. Areas of Highway 140 West and Highway 97 North could see travel disruptions early Tuesday morning. Snow is possible late Monday night into Tuesday morning. The precipitation is expected to turn showery in nature in the Tuesday afternoon hours.
Above: Current snowfall forecast for a new snow storm expected Tuesday morning.
Warmer Weather Expected Soon
After the passage of Tuesday’s storm, the NWS Medford expects clearing skies and warmer temperatures into the weekend for our region. We could be looking at a high of 55-60 degrees by Sunday with clear sunny skies.
Winter Weather Advisory issued March 10 at 10:58PM PDT until March 12 at 12:00PM PDT by NWS Medford
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO NOON PDT TUESDAY…
* WHAT… Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches.
* WHERE… Northern and Eastern Klamath County and Western Lake County to include Highway 97 mainly from Spring Creek north to Crescent.
* WHEN… From 5 AM to noon PDT Tuesday. The main impacts will mainly be early Tuesday morning.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS… Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute.
Weather Alert: Moderate To Heavy Snow Possible In Klamath Falls Today
Winter Storm Warning Today
The front that has brought heavy rain and snow to the forecast area has moved south into Northern California and will move back north to bring another round of moderate to heavy snow to areas Tuesday into Wednesday. Precipitation associated with front will push east of the forecast area Wednesday.
The NWS in Medford currently has an internet outage. However they were able to send screen shots of warnings and Klamath Falls is currently under a winter storm warning. About 6-8 inches of wet snow are possible for Klamath Falls today into Wednesday.
Additional Details:
Periods of heavy snow expected east of the Cascades to include Klamath Falls, Lakeview, and Highway 97.
Long duration heavy snow event is likely in portions of Siskiyou County, with highest impacts above 3500 feet. The snow level will be right around Mount Shasta City.
Weather Update 2-25-19 1:40pm – Snow Expected Soon High Winds Currently
We have been very busy with numerous weather related incidents locally today. A semi truck has blown over on Highway 140 East, and high winds have snapped several power poles in the Merrill area.
We have been in contact with the NWS in Medford reporting information to them, and they have recently updated us on the immediate forecast for Klamath Falls.
The stalled frontal boundary north of us is expected to be pushed south in a few hours. Late this afternoon we should see about 2-3 inches of snow in blowing conditions. According to the NWS, the visibility in our local area could be very low at times in blowing snow. Snow should arrive in Klamath Falls around 4pm according to a forecaster. We should see some snow into Tuesday morning and then it should change over to rain in the morning after around 10am.
At time of this post winds are gusting up to 42mph at the Klamath Falls airport. Higher gusts have been occurring in the Merrill area and other outlying areas as well.
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Above: A map showing roadway incidents as of 1:54pm 2-25-19.
High Wind Warning
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
Issued by National Weather Service Eureka CA
131 PM PST Mon Feb 25 2019
CAZ084-085-ORZ029>031-260600-
/O.EXB.KMFR.HW.W.0008.000000T0000Z-190226T0600Z/
Northeast Siskiyou and Northwest Modoc Counties-Modoc County-
Klamath Basin-
Northern and Eastern Klamath County and Western Lake County-
Central and Eastern Lake County-
Including the cities of Dorris, Macdoel, Tulelake, Adin, Alturas,
Canby, Day, Likely, Lookout, Altamont, Klamath Falls,
and Lakeview
131 PM PST Mon Feb 25 2019
...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PST THIS EVENING...
The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a High Wind
Warning...which is in effect until 10 PM PST this evening.
* Winds...South 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Occasional
gusts to 70 mph.
* Timing...Winds will be peaking late this morning, then begin
to decrease later this afternoon.
* Locations include...Klamath Falls, Merrill, Tulelake, Lakeview,
Alturas, and surrounding area. This also includes highway 97
from Weed to Klamath Falls, highway 39 and 139 southeast of
Klamath Falls, portions of highway 140, highway 395 from
Lakeview south, and highway 299.
* Impacts...Driving may become extremely difficult, especially
for high profile vehicles. Loose items may be damaged or blown
about.
* View the hazard area in detail at
https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/HAZARD
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected
or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts
of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage. Travel will be
impacted, especially for high profile vehicles.
The atmospheric river is now over parts of Oregon but a stalled frontal boundary is keeping the bulk of the precipitation north of Klamath Falls.
Above: infrared imagery taken at time of this posting shows Klamath Falls just south of the storm.
We have had several reports of snow falling so fast that it is difficult to see while driving along areas of Highway 97 in the higher elevations north of town. Highway 58 is also currently reported as getting heavy amounts of snow. West of the Cascades large amounts of rain are falling.
The NWS expects the stalled front to get a push south Monday afternoon around 4pm. This means we may see a few hours of snow around that time as the front moves through the local area. Some snow is also possible Tuesday afternoon as the front is expected to retreat back northward.
Expected snowfall amounts have recently been revised for the Klamath Falls area and it no longer looks like we will see the 4-6 inches that were advertised earlier with this storm. According to a weather forecaster in Medford, Klamath Falls may possibly see 1-2 inches of snow Monday afternoon starting somewhere around 4pm if the front pushes south as they expect.
As always we will update with more information as it becomes available.
Atmospheric River Expected To Cause Extended Period Of Rain & Snow
First off, what’s an atmospheric river? It’s a plume of moisture that originates in the tropic regions and then is transported to the west coast.
Below is one of the forecast models showing an atmospheric river aimed at Oregon for this incoming storm. The moisture plume extends from Oregon to Hawaii.
Extended Period Of Rain And Snow
Light snow is expected late Friday night into Saturday afternoon. According to the latest information from the NWS, they are expecting an extended period of precipitation for us starting as snow and then changing to rain. The precipitation is likely to be a 4-5 day event.
Currently about 4-6 inches of snow are expected for Klamath Falls from Saturday into Monday. A changeover to rain is likely overnight Sunday or Monday morning. The changeover timing depends on the storm track and several other factors.
This precipitation event is expected to last Saturday into Wednesday at least. A cold front is also expected to stall over Oregon during this time adding to the precipitation amounts. All of this combined with a strong jet stream brings together a storm that is capable of producing very large amounts of snow and rain over an extended period of time.
Above: Snow amounts expected into Monday before is expected to change to rain. 36 inches of snow are possible at Lake Of The Woods and over 50″ possible at Crater Lake.
Above: Rain expected after the change from snow into Wednesday.
Hazards You Might See:
Travel: Highway 97 North, Highway 140 East & West, and roads to Diamond Lake and Crater Lake could become hazardous for travel and highly impacted by this storm. Winds are also expected at the higher elevations possibly causing drifting snow. Snow plows and road crews are likely to be overwhelmed with a storm like this in the higher elevations.
Flooding & Landslides: right now it looks like most of the flooding problems will be over on the west side and coast range. However, we have been told the NWS will be watching rivers in our area closely as well. Other hazards include the possibility of isolated white outs, impassable roads, slower response times from emergency services and power outages.
A few things to keep in mind: Forecasts are educated guesses and storms don’t always behave as expected. We might see more or less precipitation or a longer or shorter period of snow and rain depending on the storm track. How much water our snow (and ground) can absorb also will be a factor for any flooding we might see in our local area.
Over the next few days, conditions will be present for impressive amounts of rain and snow so expect stormy weather Saturday into Wednesday at least.
We will keep an eye on all of this and update you as needed. The NWS will no doubt have a very busy next couple of days keeping us all informed about this incoming storm.
As always, real time alerts will be posted to our breaking news service for coverage of any potential events related to this storm.
According to the NWS Medford, an Atmospheric River event is possible for our area and region beginning Saturday night. The details of this event are still uncertain but depending on the timing of the mix of cold air and moisture we could see either a significant amount of snow, rain, or a combination of both. Flooding of small streams and rivers is a possibility and we will be watching all of this close as the NWS updates us.
We will have more information about this developing weather story tomorrow as the details get worked out and we get closer to the timing of the event.
A significant amount of moisture is expected to move into the area later this weekend and last into at least early next week as two fronts impact the area while moisture streams up from tropical origins. Snow levels will be higher overall, but heavy snow is expected for the Cascades, Siskiyous, and higher elevations in western Siskiyou County. Meanwhile, heavy rain is expected along the coast, coastal mountains and lower elevations in western Siskiyou County.
Above: Forecast 72 Hour precipitation early Sunday morning through early Wednesday morning. This is subject to change and is a current estimate. The above map is a precipitation estimate and doesn’t depict areas of rain and snow.
Above: A forecast tool indicating a plume of moisture (Atmospheric River) that is expected to setup and transport moisture from the Hawaii area to Oregon and Northern California.
Right now plan on the possibility of a significant amount of precipitation in the mountains and possible flooding and travel disruptions in our region.
Additional weather warnings, watches, and alerts may be issued.
Winter Storm Watch issued February 21 at 2:29PM PST until February 25 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Medford
.A storm with a significant amount of moisture could bring moderate to heavy mountain snow to the Cascades, mountains in Western Siskiyou County, and portions of the East Side Saturday night into at least Monday morning.
…WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH MONDAY MORNING…
* WHAT… Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 12 to 18 inches with local amounts up to 24 inches. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph in exposed areas.
* WHERE… Highway 97 and 31, including the cities of Chemult and Crescent.
* WHEN… From Saturday evening through Monday morning.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS… Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Visibilities could be reduced by blowing snow in more exposed areas where winds are gusty.
* View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/HAZARD
* Stock emergency kit with tire chains, flashlight, batteries, blankets, food, water, and medications.
* The safest place during a winter storm is indoors.
* Plan now to avoid traveling during the storm.
* A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant snow accumulations that may create dangerous travel.
Hydrologic Outlook
Hydrologic Outlook
ORC011-015-019-029-033-035-037-CAC049-093-232225-
Hydrologic Outlook
National Weather Service Medford, OR
225 PM PST Thu Feb 21 2019
...Flood Potential Outlook for quick river rises, main stem river
flooding, and the potential for snow melt flooding on rivers and
streams in the following counties in California...Modoc...Siskiyou
and in Oregon...Coos...Curry...Douglas...Jackson...Josephine...Klamath...Lake...
.At atmospheric river will bring a good chance for periods of heavy
precipitation over Coos, Curry, and Western Siskiyou Counties Sunday
through Tuesday and possibly longer. A front will likely stall over
the forecast area late this weekend with waves of heavier precipitation
moving through. The front will push through the area by early or the
middle of next week. 4 to 8 inches of rainfall are possible at the coast.
Confidence is low on how much rainfall and timing of heaviest rainfall, but
recent data have increased the chance for significant river rises and
flooding enough to warrant this outlook.
Farther east, there is higher uncertainty in terms of flooding potential.
It`s unknown how far inland the heaviest precipitation will extend and for
how long. However, periods of heavy precipitation are possible here as well,
and given how much snowpack is in the mountains, an extended period of heavy
rain on snow would result in flooding of small creeks and streams as well
as significant rises on main stem rivers.
A flood potential outlook is issued when there is the potential for
significant rises or flooding along rivers and streams.
The exact scenario for flooding remains uncertain. This product will
be updated as necessary. Watches and warnings may be issued by the
National Weather Service if this situation worsens.
Since our weather outlook post yesterday the NWS has revised snow amounts upward. Forecast models are trending this storm with more moisture and more snowfall than originally thought. This storm still appears that it will mostly impact the higher mountain elevations with snowfall.
The current best guess for Klamath Falls snow is now 2-3 inches. There are winter storm warnings and watches in effect for some parts of Klamath County.
Storm Timing:
Snow should begin to impact the higher mountain elevations beginning around 7pm tonight.
The approaching storm should arrive in the local Klamath Falls area around 11pm tonight based on the latest estimates. Snow should fall overnight into Wednesday morning. Then, snow showers are possible Wednesday and should gradually taper off by Wednesday evening.
Above: Areas in pink are winter storm warning areas. Purple are winter weather advisory areas. Information current as of 1:30pm 2-19-19. For more details about the warnings and advisories please see the information below.
Above: Revised snow amounts trending upward as new forecast model runs show the approaching storm with more moisture than previously thought.
Pink Areas In Map Above: Winter Storm Warning issued February 19 at 12:52PM PST until February 20 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Medford
…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 PM PST WEDNESDAY…
* WHAT… Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 7 to 14 inches expected with accumulations of up to 18 inches across the highest elevations. Between 1500 to 2000 feet, expect lower accumulations of 2 to 6 inches. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph over higher exposed terrain.
* WHERE… Heavy snow expected across the eastern Douglas County Foothills and South Central Oregon Cascades. This includes Highway 58, Highway 62, Highway 138, Highway 230, and the cities of Union Creek, Toketee Falls, Crescent Lake, as well as Diamond Lake and Crater Lake. Moderate snow amounts are expected near Steamboat.
* WHEN… From 7 PM this evening to 10 PM PST Wednesday. The heaviest snow will fall between 10 PM Tonight and 4 PM Wednesday.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS… Travel could be very difficult with snow- covered roads. The hazardous conditions could impact morning or evening travel.
* 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 likely and poses a threat to life and property. Take protective action now.
Purple Areas In Map Above: Winter Weather Advisory issued February 19 at 12:52PM PST until February 20 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Medford
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 PM PST WEDNESDAY…
* WHAT… Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches expected. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.
* WHERE… Portions of the Klamath Basin including Highway 97 from Modoc Point through Crescent, portions of Highway 140 east of Bly and east of Lakeview.
* WHEN… From 7 PM Tuesday to 10 PM PST Wednesday.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS… Travel could be very difficult. Visibilities will be reduced by blowing snow in exposed areas where winds are strong.
Tired of the snow yet? We aren’t either! A cold shortwave and frontal system is on the way to our local region. This one appears to be more of a high elevation snow maker for the east side of the Cascades and may drop some snow on the west side of the Cascades at lower elevations. A front will move through the region Tuesday night and Wednesday, with showers behind the front Wednesday evening.
According to the latest weather information, two cold fronts are expected between now and Saturday morning. Currently a front is approaching our area and it has been snowing in the higher elevations around Klamath Falls over the past few hours in some areas.
A second front is expected to move through on Friday evening. Current forecast data is also showing another snow storm possible for Saturday evening into Sunday morning. We are keeping on eye on this and will update as it gets closer. The Saturday storm has more potential for travel impacts.
The current snowfall forecasts for Klamath Falls for now until Saturday morning are represented in the graphics below. The storms between now and Saturday morning are not expected to bring as much snow as our most recent storm yesterday.
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 14 at 2:03PM PST until February 15 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Medford
…Snow levels will fall this afternoon with more snow expected into Friday morning and again Friday night into Saturday morning…
Two cold systems will affect the area through Saturday. The first front arrives later this afternoon and evening, and snow levels will drop sharply with snow affecting many areas including low elevation areas down to around 1500 feet. Another low will arrive late Friday and bring snow to the area through Saturday morning at least. Snow levels will again be low, around 1500 feet.
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST FRIDAY…
* WHAT… Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 3 inches expected. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph will cause very low visibility at times.
* WHERE… Central and Eastern Lake County to include Lakeview, Valley Falls and portions of Highways 31 and 140.
* WHEN… From 4 PM this afternoon to 10 AM PST Friday.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS… Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
* View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/HAZARD
* Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination.
* Carry tire chains and be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities.
* See https://www.tripcheck.com for latest road conditions.
* A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means that periods of snow will cause travel difficulties.
A major winter storm is now approaching our area and it is associated with an atmospheric river. Here is the latest information.
Snow is forecast for our area tonight and it is already snowing at the higher elevations. Snow levels are now expected to rise on Wednesday to 6,500 feet. Snow is expected to turn to rain in the morning for our local area (around 10am or so). Eventually snow levels are expected to drop Thursday as another cold front approaches. An additional cold front will lower snow levels more as snow levels Friday are expected to be back to around 2000 – 1500 feet.
Freezing rain is possible for Klamath Falls in the morning on Wednesday during the expected transition from snow to rain and sleet. Currently little to now ice accumulation is expected.
ODOT has released a travel advisory for extreme travel conditions in the mountains tonight.
The snow is expected to be very wet and heavy and there is a high risk of downed trees and possible power outages.
The NWS is forecasting near-record 24-hour snowfall amounts for Mount Shasta City tonight as 1 to 2 inch per hour snowfall rates are expected to occur.
Current best guess on snow amounts for Klamath Falls is 3-7 inches of new snow tonight and around 1-2 inches Wednesday before it changes to rain. If the forecast is right we will have a slushy mess to deal with by late Wednesday morning.
Hazard Summary With This Storm:
Downed trees due to heavy snow and high winds
Possible power outages
Heavy snow rates and drifting snow mixed with high winds producing areas of zero visibility
Wiper blades could be overpowered by heavy snow rates or blowing snow in mountain areas
Snow covered roadways
Currently there are no flood advisories but the NWS will be watching river levels as the snow levels rise and rain moves in over the snow. We will update if new information becomes available.
Strong Winter Storm Expected Tuesday Afternoon Into Wednesday
A new storm is expected to bring Klamath Falls about 4-6 inches of new snow Tuesday afternoon or evening into Wednesday. This storm is also expected to dump heavy rain on areas in our region below 2,500 feet. High winds are expected with this snow storm so limited visibility and occasional white out conditions are possible. Heavy snow with the wind could topple trees and cause power outages in some areas. Wind gusts could approach 50mph in some higher mountain areas such as Lake of the Woods and Crater Lake. Gusts around 35mph are expected for our local Klamath Falls area.
We have been following this with the NWS and the forecast models have varied the snow amounts quite a bit. Initially the snow amounts were expected to be much higher. Keep in mind that the forecast snow amounts could still be refined up or down as we get closer to the timing of the storm arrival. Please use caution if you plan to travel Tuesday or Wednesday.
More Snow Possible Friday
It looks like an additional snow storm may arrive Friday as well. We will update with more information on the Friday storm as it gets closer. The timing and details with this storm are still uncertain.
Multiple cold and wet weather systems are expected to impact our area beginning late tonight. The weather systems have the moisture and cold air to essentially turn on the “snow machine” over much of our region.
Above: Most of Oregon is currently under a winter storm watch or warning tonight
At the time of this post, nearly all of Oregon is under some sort of a winter weather advisory or warning. We reported earlier today on Pacific Power offering tips to prepare for the incoming snow storms.
Snow should begin overnight tonight and the heaviest snow for our area is expected Saturday morning into the afternoon. Here is the projected snowfall amounts for the Saturday storm.
• Coastal areas may see periods of snow down to the beaches, but the heaviest accumulations will be above 500 feet.
• Heaviest widespread snow Saturday morning into Saturday evening, then showers Saturday night into Sunday morning.
• Any snow that melts on roads during the day will likely refreeze at night, resulting in icy roads.
Snow Showers are expected to continue after the Saturday storm and here is the current thinking on snow amounts for Sunday into Monday.
The farther into the future we go the NWS has less confidence on snowfall amounts. However, the current forecast amounts follow for Monday-Wednesday here.
If the current forecast models are correct, it is very possible we will see on and off snow from tonight into next weekend. Looking at the totals in the higher elevations, we should make up some ground this week on our snow pack for sure.
According to the NWS some areas of our region may see more snow in a four day period than has been seen (in a four day period) in the past 50 years.
At the very least here are a few things to be prepared for:
Widespread snow throughout the region with snow covered roads and ice.
A decrease in emergency crew response time as they will likely be very busy and have slower response times due to road conditions.
POSSIBLE power outages in some areas
Winds up to 30mph in some areas blowing and drifting snow and possible white out conditions.
An extended period of accumulating snow.
As always, Klamath Alerts will continue to monitor the incoming storms and update as more information becomes available. Graphics are provided by NWS Medford.
A weak system could bring light snow showers Thursday night into Friday morning this week. However, a much stronger system is expected Saturday with more significant snow expected for our region. Skies have cleared out and with the cold air and snow in place now we are expecting a very cold night tonight.
Here is a projection of lows in our region tonight into Thursday morning:
A low pressure system is expected to approach our area from the Northwest and generate a wide area of snow showers starting this Saturday. The heaviest snow showers are currently expected Saturday afternoon and evening. Additional showers are expected Sunday though not as wide spread.
The difference with this storm is that the roads and air are already cold, so unlike the last storm that started with rain…this storm will start as snow.
Snow could fall at the coast and even in Medford with this storm, but details are still not certain.
Here is the current thinking with snowfall amounts. (These amounts are subject to change as additional information becomes available)
Widespread travel impacts for most highways and area roads due to snow:
Roads above 2000 feet Saturday through Sunday morning.
Roads above 1000 feet Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Roads down to 500 feet .
Coastal areas may see periods of snow down to the beaches but expect only brief and light snow on roads.
Snow is possible all the way down to 500 feet early Sunday morning.
Heaviest snow expected late Saturday morning into Saturday evening, then scattered to numerous light to moderate showers Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Below freezing temperatures across southern Oregon and northern California Saturday night into Sunday morning. (Teens east of the Cascades, upper 20s west of the Cascades) Could be near freezing at the coast.
Any snow that melts on roads during the day Sunday will likely refreeze Sunday night, resulting in icy roads.
Additional information will be updated as it becomes available.
The NWS says our clear skies are ending beginning tomorrow. We are expecting to see rain for Friday followed by a snow storm Sunday into Monday. Right now according to the latest data, about 3-4 inches of snow are possible over the weekend into Monday here in Klamath Falls. We certainly hope it’s more than that!
The storm arriving on Sunday will contain modified arctic air and will be some of the coldest air we have seen this winter. Highs on Monday are forecast to be about 28 degrees! Lows will be very cold after the storm clearing later on Monday into Tuesday, likely in the single digits for our area.
Hazardous travel conditions are possible with packed snow, black ice, and possibly reduced visibility in snow showers.
The latest info from the NWS:
A front will arrive Thursday night into Friday providing some gusty winds to the Shasta Valley, Summer Lake area, and some of the other Valleys in Lake County as well as across the Warner Mountains in Modoc County. This front will bring periods of moderate rainfall to the coast and coastal ranges as well as mountain snow. Snow levels will start around 7000 feet Thursday night and fall to around 5000 feet on Friday. Conditions become showery as another weak system enters the area, so there will be some breaks between bands of rain and snow beginning Friday night. Snow levels will continue to fall to around 3000 by Sunday morning and will fall to 500 to 1000 feet on Monday as another system brings even more showers on Monday morning. Precipitation should end on Monday afternoon/evening.
Despite some lingering clouds which will keep us warmer than if we had clear skies, temperatures will become very cold after the precipitation with lows reaching near freezing at the coast, the 20s across the west side valleys, and into the teens or single digits east of the Cascades. These cold temperatures will increase refreeze potential on area roadways.
Main points to consider:
Travel delays and impacts for major highways and roads due to snowy or icy roads:
Roads above 5000 feet impacted on Friday and Saturday,
Roads above 3000 feet impacted by Sunday morning
Roads above 1000 feet Impacted late Sunday night and Monday.
Snow showers will be possible all the way down to 500 feet Monday.
Gusty winds could create travel difficulties for the Shasta Valley, Summer Lake Area and several valleys in Lake County and along the Warners in Modoc County on Friday.
Moderate rainfall rates (Less than a half of an inch an hour) expected Friday, so no flooding impacts expected at this time.
Cold temperatures are expected across southern Oregon and northern California beginning Tuesday when conditions clear. (Teens east of the cascades, 20s west of the Cascades, and near freezing at the coast).
Klamath Alerts will continue to monitor these storms over the weekend and update as needed.
