Medford, OR – Moderate to heavy snowfall is expected to impact mountain passes and some valley floors across southern Oregon and northern California Wednesday night through Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a brief period of lighter showers Wednesday morning and afternoon will be followed by another upper-level disturbance bringing renewed winter weather. Snow is expected to intensify Wednesday night and continue through Thursday.
Forecast snowfall totals range from 6 to 12 inches in higher elevations, with lighter but impactful accumulations possible at lower elevations as snow levels drop to between 1,000 and 1,500 feet. These levels could allow snow to reach some valley floors, including areas near Interstate 5 and U.S. Highway 97.
Travel over area passes, including Siskiyou Summit along I-5 and portions of OR-138 and US-97, could become hazardous. Snow-covered roads, reduced visibility, and rapidly changing conditions are possible, especially overnight into early Thursday.
While precise valley totals remain uncertain, even minor accumulations during peak commute hours could affect travel for students, early-shift workers, and commercial drivers.
Forecasters emphasize that conditions may vary significantly with elevation, with the heaviest snowfall expected in elevated terrain and west-facing slopes.
Drivers are encouraged to monitor the latest forecasts, check road conditions before departing, and prepare for winter driving conditions. Updates are available at Weather.gov/Medford and through state transportation agencies.
