Medford, Oregon – Mountain travel across southern Oregon is expected to become increasingly hazardous beginning Tuesday night as multiple rounds of snow move through the region, impacting passes, foothills, and higher elevations through Thursday morning. Drivers heading into the Cascades or Siskiyou Summit should prepare for rapidly deteriorating road conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a cold front arriving Tuesday night will bring snow to elevations above 3,500 to 4,000 feet, followed by a second system late Wednesday that drops snow levels to near 1,500 to 2,500 feet by Wednesday night. The heaviest snow is expected in the southern Oregon Cascades and higher foothills of eastern Douglas and northern Klamath counties, where totals of 8 to 20 inches are possible. This includes impacts along Highway 97 and mountain passes through the Cascades.
Moderate snowfall of 3 to 5 inches is expected across foothills in eastern Douglas County, northeast Jackson County, and the Siskiyou Summit, while lighter snow may extend into lower elevations west of the Cascades, including portions of Interstate 5, Wednesday night into early Thursday.
Snow-covered roads, reduced visibility, and slick travel conditions are likely, especially overnight and during early morning hours. Officials urge travelers to check road conditions before departing, carry chains and a winter emergency kit, and allow extra time to reach their destination. Snow impacts are expected to ease Thursday morning, though lingering slick spots may persist in higher terrain.
