Medford, OR – Drivers heading toward Crater Lake and Diamond Lake could encounter snow-covered highways before sunrise Wednesday as snowfall rates climb to 1 inch per hour and totals push toward 10 inches above 5,000 feet.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, a Winter Weather Advisory runs from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday for the South Central Oregon Cascades. Snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches are expected at higher elevations, directly impacting Highways 62, 138 and 230.
Crater Lake carries a 97% probability of at least 4 inches of snow, an 88% chance of 6 inches and a 68% chance of 8 inches between early Wednesday and early Thursday. Roughly one-third of guidance suggests totals could even approach 12 inches. Heavy bursts during the morning and late afternoon could sharply reduce visibility and quickly coat road surfaces.
Mountain travel may slow significantly during both commute windows. Officials urge motorists to slow down, carry chains and check TripCheck.com or call 511 for updated road and restriction information before departure. Snow chances taper late Wednesday night, but slick conditions may linger into early Thursday at higher elevations.
