Mount Shasta, California – Drivers planning travel over Siskiyou County passes this weekend could face near-blizzard conditions as up to 17 inches of snow and 55 mph wind gusts threaten higher elevations starting Saturday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a Winter Storm Watch takes effect Saturday evening and remains in place through late Sunday night for elevations above 4,500 feet. Forecast totals range from 6 to 17 inches, with the heaviest snowfall expected along Highway 89 at Snowmans Summit and Dead Horse Summit, as well as the Mount Shasta Ski Park Highway near 5,500 feet.
Strong winds over exposed terrain may knock down tree limbs and lead to isolated power outages. Blowing snow could reduce visibility sharply, especially across open stretches of mountain roadway.
Travelers should prepare for chain controls, slick pavement and possible delays on mountain routes. Anyone with weekend plans in higher terrain should closely monitor updates and consider adjusting travel timing. The watch means conditions are favorable for significant winter weather, and warnings could be issued as confidence increases heading into Saturday.
