California enters the first weekend of 2026 with a growing Winter Weather Alert focused on the high terrain of Siskiyou County, where heavy snow and strong winds may create dangerous conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Saturday afternoon through late Sunday evening for areas above 5,000 feet. Forecast models show the potential for 1 to 2 feet of snow, combined with wind gusts up to 50 mph over exposed ridges and passes.
Snow levels are expected to sit near 6,000 feet Saturday, then drop to 5,000–5,500 feet by Saturday night. By late Sunday night, snow levels may fall further to around 4,500 feet, increasing the risk of slick conditions near lower mountain corridors.
Impacts are expected to be significant. Travel may become very difficult to impossible, especially along high-elevation routes. Strong winds could bring down trees or power lines, compounding hazards for anyone attempting mountain travel.
Several well-known locations are included in the watch area, including Etna Summit on Sawyers Bar Road, Mt. Shasta Ski Park Highway, Bunny Flat on the Everitt Memorial Highway, and Grass Lake near Mt. Hebron. These areas are especially vulnerable to rapid snowfall accumulation and reduced visibility.
Conditions may deteriorate quickly once snowfall intensifies. Drivers should avoid unnecessary travel in the mountains and prepare for sudden closures. Chains, winter survival gear, and alternate plans are strongly advised.
Meteorologists stress that confidence is increasing, though exact snowfall totals will be refined as the storm approaches. Residents and travelers are urged to monitor updated forecasts and potential upgrades to warnings.
This storm marks an active winter weather pattern continuing into the first full weekend of January 2026, particularly for Northern California’s higher elevations.
