Siskiyou County, CA – A high-impact winter storm is set to bring prolonged dangerous conditions to Northern California and parts of southern Oregon, with heavy snowfall, powerful winds, and potentially impassable mountain roads through the end of the week.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Siskiyou County above 4,500 feet from 4 a.m. Tuesday through 10 a.m. Friday. Snow totals of 1 to 3 feet are expected, with up to 5 feet possible in higher, remote terrain near 6,000 feet, including areas around Mount Shasta.
Snow levels will fluctuate throughout the event, starting near 5,000 feet early Tuesday, briefly rising to 7,000 feet, then falling to 4,000 feet by Thursday night into Friday. This drop could allow snow to impact a wider portion of the Mount Shasta region later in the week.
Strong southerly winds gusting up to 60 mph are expected across exposed terrain, especially Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning and again on Thursday, increasing the risk of blowing snow, whiteout conditions, and falling trees. Snowmans Summit on Highway 89, Etna Summit, and Shasta Ski Park are expected to see the most severe impacts.
A separate Winter Storm Warning is also in effect for Modoc County above 5,500 feet from early Wednesday through Friday, where 7 to 15 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 70 mph are possible, particularly near Cedar Pass on Highway 299.
Travel through mountain passes may become very difficult to impossible, with impacts likely during morning and evening commutes. Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and carry emergency supplies if travel is unavoidable. Road conditions can be checked by calling 511 or visiting quickmap.dot.ca.gov.
