Mount Shasta, California – Drivers crossing Siskiyou County mountain passes this weekend could face near-whiteout conditions as up to 17 inches of snow targets elevations above 4,500 feet starting Saturday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Saturday evening through late Sunday night for western, south central and eastern Siskiyou County above 4,500 feet. Snow totals between 6 and 17 inches are possible, with the heaviest amounts near higher peaks and along exposed ridgelines. South winds could gust up to 55 mph over high terrain.
Snowmans Summit and Dead Horse Summit on Highway 89, along with the Mount Shasta Ski Park Highway near 5,500 feet, are particularly vulnerable to hazardous travel. Blowing snow may sharply reduce visibility and drifting could make some routes impassable for a time. Strong winds may also bring down tree limbs.
Travelers should prepare for chain controls and potential road closures. Check road conditions before departing and monitor updated forecasts as confidence in snowfall totals increases.
Warnings could replace the watch as the storm system draws closer and impacts become more certain.
