More Rain and Snow on the Way, Winter Storm Watch Issued, Small Stream Flooding Possible
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[UPDATE: Winter Storm Watch upgraded to Winter Storm Warning, LEARN MORE]
Moist tropical air will pour into the Pacific Northwest this weekend and the start of next week. Most of the rain and snow accumulation will occur Sunday into Monday when the atmospheric river is aided by a strong front draped over the region. Overall, look for a rainy end of February if you’re staying in the westside valleys.
Snow levels will stay around 3000 to 3500 feet on average, so locations above that elevation will see snow with this weather event. Stay tuned for more details over the next few days.
Rain and snow will contribute to slippery roadways. Make sure to carry chains for your tires as well as food, water, blankets, medicine, and a fully charged phone when traveling. Check ODOT or CalTrans for road conditions before you begin traveling.
Winter Storm Watch
Snowfall can reach up to 50 inches around the highest elevations near Crater Lake through Monday (2/25/19) afternoon.
Graphic, NWS Medford
A storm with a significant amount of moisture could bring moderate to heavy mountain snow to the Cascades, mountains in Western Siskiyou County, and portions of the East Side Saturday night into at least Monday morning.
Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 12 to 18 inches with local amounts up to 24 inches. Lesser amounts are expected in southern Klamath County. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph in exposed areas.
A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant snow accumulations that may create dangerous travel.
LOCATION
Klamath Basin, Northern and Eastern Klamath County and Western Lake County. Including the cities of Chemult, Crescent, and Gilchrist
Highway 97 and 31, including the cities of Chemult and Crescent.
WHEN
From Saturday afternoon through Monday morning.
North East Pacific Infrared.
Loop 12:30-3:30 PST February 22, 2019
Latest loop
Hydrologic Outlook
Flood Potential Outlook for quick river rises, main stem river flooding, and the potential for snow melt flooding on rivers and streams in Modoc & Siskiyou Counties in California and in Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, and Lake in Oregon
At atmospheric river will bring a good chance for periods of heavy precipitation over Coos, Curry, and Western Siskiyou Counties Sunday through Tuesday and possibly longer.
A front will likely stall over the forecast area late this weekend with waves of heavier precipitation moving through. The front will push through the area by early or the middle of next week.
4 to 8 inches of rainfall are possible at the coast.
Confidence is low on how much rainfall and timing of heaviest rainfall, but recent data have increased the chance for significant river rises and flooding enough to warrant this outlook.
Farther east, there is higher uncertainty in terms of flooding potential. It`s unknown how far inland the heaviest precipitation will extend and for how long.
However, periods of heavy precipitation are possible here as well, and given how much snowpack is in the mountains, an extended period of heavy rain on snow would result in flooding of small creeks and streams as well as significant rises on main stem rivers.
A flood potential outlook is issued when there is the potential for significant rises or flooding along rivers and streams. The exact scenario for flooding remains uncertain. This product will be updated as necessary. Watches and warnings may be issued by the National Weather Service if this situation worsens.
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