Etna, California – Heavy mountain snow will hammer western Siskiyou County starting late Sunday morning, with up to 2 feet possible on the highest peaks and travel turning dangerous through early Wednesday.
The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Winter Storm Warning from 10 a.m. Sunday to 4 a.m. Wednesday for elevations above 3,000 feet. The heaviest snow through Monday morning will fall above 5,000 feet, where 8 to 12 inches are expected. After a brief lull Monday afternoon, colder air crashes in Monday night, dropping snow levels to around 2,000 feet and possibly as low as 1,500 feet by Tuesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service, an additional 6 to 12 inches is likely late Monday through Tuesday night, with 1 to 2 feet possible above 5,000 feet by the time the storm winds down. Winds could gust to 40 mph over exposed ridges, creating blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility.
Etna Summit along Sawyers Bar Road and Highway 3 south of Callahan are expected to see the worst conditions. Travel may become very difficult or impossible at times, especially during the Monday morning and evening commutes. Chain controls and closures are possible.
Snow could also reach the Scott and Klamath River valleys Tuesday into Tuesday night, where light accumulations of 1 to 3 inches may develop. According to Caltrans, drivers should check QuickMap or call 511 for real-time road conditions before heading into higher terrain.
Residents should avoid non-essential travel during peak snowfall, carry emergency supplies in vehicles, and prepare for potential power outages. Charge devices, stock food and water, and protect pets and exposed pipes from freezing temperatures.
