Medford, Oregon – Travel across the Oregon Cascades could become difficult to impossible through Thursday morning as back-to-back weather systems deliver heavy mountain snow and lowering snow levels, creating hazardous conditions on major passes and highways.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, the first front is moving through the region tonight into Wednesday morning, with snow levels between 4,000 and 4,500 feet. That setup is producing heavy snowfall across the Cascades, with mountain highways and passes seeing rapidly deteriorating travel conditions. Snowfall rates are expected to ease briefly by mid-morning Wednesday before a stronger system arrives later in the day.
A colder front is expected Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning, bringing widespread precipitation and significantly lower snow levels. Snow levels are forecast to start near 3,500 feet, then drop to between 1,500 and 2,000 feet by early Thursday. Heavy snow is expected across the Cascades and foothills, with lighter accumulations possible at lower elevations.
Highways such as Highway 62, Highway 138, and Highway 140 may see chain requirements and delays, while mountain passes could experience closures if conditions worsen. ODOT urges drivers to avoid unnecessary travel, carry traction devices, and monitor road conditions closely.
Snow showers may linger into Thursday morning, and additional advisories could be issued as the system evolves. Travelers should plan for extended impacts through Thursday, especially across higher terrain.
