Mount Shasta, California – Travel across Siskiyou County remains extremely dangerous as a powerful winter storm continues to dump heavy snow and unleash damaging winds across Northern California’s mountain corridors through Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect across much of Siskiyou County, including Mount Shasta, McCloud, Dunsmuir, and surrounding high terrain. Snow levels have already dropped below 4,000 feet and are expected to fall closer to 3,000 feet overnight, allowing heavy snow to impact major travel routes and valley communities. Above 4,000 feet, snowfall totals of 1 to 3 feet are expected, with 6 to 12 inches possible even at lower elevations.
Along Interstate 5 at Black Butte Pass, conditions may turn nearly impassable as blowing snow and gusts up to 55 mph create whiteout conditions. State Route 89 over Snowmans Hill Summit and Dead Horse Summit is also expected to see prolonged closures or chain restrictions, with heavy snow extending toward Bunny Flat and the Mount Shasta Ski Park Highway.
Farther west and east across Siskiyou County, including Bray, Tennant, Etna Summit, and Grass Lake, snowfall of 8 to 16 inches is likely above 4,500 feet, with higher peaks picking up several feet. In Modoc County’s Warner Mountains, including Cedar Pass on Highway 395, snow-covered roads and reduced visibility are expected overnight.
Officials warn that strong winds and heavy snow loading could bring down trees and power lines, leading to scattered power outages. Non-essential travel is strongly discouraged until conditions improve later Friday morning, and drivers are urged to check Caltrans QuickMap or call 511 for the latest road conditions before heading out.
