Medford, OR – A powerful late-season snowstorm is set to hammer the southern Oregon Cascades starting early Wednesday, bringing up to 2 feet of snow to mountain passes and potentially 30 inches inside Crater Lake National Park.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a Winter Storm Warning takes effect at 5 a.m. Wednesday and continues through 5 p.m. Thursday for the southern Oregon Cascades and eastern Douglas County foothills above 3,000 feet. The storm is expected to deliver 12 to 24 inches of snow, with the heaviest totals across higher terrain including Crater Lake, Diamond Lake, and the slopes near Union Creek.
Forecasters say the most intense snowfall will develop Wednesday afternoon, when snow could fall at rates of 1 inch per hour with a 60–80% chance of bursts reaching 2 inches per hour. Gusty winds up to 50 mph over exposed ridges may reduce visibility and create drifting snow across highways.
Travel through mountain corridors could become extremely dangerous. Key routes expected to see heavy impacts include Highways 62, 138, 140, 230, and 58, which connect travelers to Crater Lake National Park and communities in the Cascade foothills. Officials warn conditions could disrupt both the Wednesday morning and evening travel periods.
Drivers heading into the mountains should carry emergency supplies including blankets, food, water, and a flashlight. The Oregon Department of Transportation advises checking TripCheck.com or calling 511 for real-time road conditions before traveling.
Snow will continue through Thursday before tapering later in the afternoon, though additional winter alerts could follow if the storm track shifts.
