Medford, OR – Mountain travel across parts of Douglas County and the southern Oregon Cascades could become nearly impossible beginning early Wednesday as a powerful spring storm dumps feet of snow across high elevations.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 5 a.m. Wednesday through 5 p.m. Thursday for the Eastern Douglas County Foothills and the Southern Oregon Cascades, including Crater Lake, Diamond Lake, Union Creek, and Crescent Lake.
Forecasters say 12 to 24 inches of snow will fall across much of the high terrain, while Crater Lake National Park could see 24 to 30 inches. The heaviest snowfall is expected Wednesday afternoon when snowfall rates may reach 1 inch per hour with a strong chance of bursts near 2 inches per hour.
Major travel routes could be heavily impacted, especially Highways 62, 138, 230, 140, and 58, where steep passes above 3,000 feet are expected to accumulate deep snow quickly. Gusts up to 50 mph across exposed ridges may knock down tree limbs and reduce visibility.
ODOT urges drivers to delay mountain travel if possible and check TripCheck.com or dial 511 for real-time road conditions. If travel is unavoidable, officials recommend carrying food, water, blankets, and a flashlight.
Heavy snow may continue into Thursday afternoon before gradually easing, though additional advisories could follow as colder air lingers over the Cascades.
