First major storm of 2023-24 season to hit Cascades-Siskiyous
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MEDFORD, Ore. - A strong frontal system will bring significant impacts to the forecast area Friday morning through Saturday night. Most of the snowfall will be in the southern Oregon Cascades, especially from Highway 140 north. The heaviest snow is expected above 5000 feet elevation from near Crater Lake and points farther north.
Snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches an hour at times in the Cascades late Friday night and Saturday.
Moderate to heavy snowfall is also expected across northern Klamath County. Snow levels will be around 4000 feet (locally lower Friday morning) then rise Saturday evening into Sunday morning, to 6000 ft.
Major impacts are anticipated due to heavy snowfall.
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Storm Watch
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
400 AM PST Wed Nov 29 2023
South Central Oregon Cascades
Siskiyou Mountains and Southern Oregon Cascades
Including the cities of Diamond Lake.
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THURSDAY TO 4 AM
PST FRIDAY ABOVE 4000 FEET
WINTER STORM WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT
THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON ABOVE 4000 FEET
* WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory above 4000 feet, snow
expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 9 inches. For the
Winter Storm Watch above 4000 feet, heavy snow possible. Total
snow accumulations of 10 to 24 inches possible. Winds could
gust as high as 45 mph.
* WHERE...South Central Oregon Cascades above 4000 feet elevation
from near highway 140 northward. This includes Crater Lake, Lake
of the Woods, and Diamond Lake Junction.
* WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, from 10 AM Thursday to
4 AM PST Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late
Thursday night through Saturday afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Snow accumulation will primarily fall in two rounds Thursday into Thursday evening and late Friday morning through Saturday. Snow accumulations could continue Saturday night for elevations above 5000 feet and into Sunday for elevations above 6000 feet.
View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination. Carry tire chains and be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities. See https://www.tripcheck.com for latest road conditions.
A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means that periods of snow will cause travel difficulties.
Winter Storm Watch
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
400 AM PST Wed Nov 29 2023
Klamath Basin
Northern and Eastern Klamath County
Western Lake County
Including the cities of Chemult
WINTER STORM WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON
* WHAT...Potential for heavy snow above 4000 feet. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 14 inches. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.
* WHERE...Northern Klamath County and far northwestern Lake County. This includes Highway 97 north of Chiloquin.
* WHEN...From late Thursday night through Saturday afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible over
5500 feet.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow accumulation will primarily fall in two rounds Thursday evening and Friday night. Snow accumulation could continue through Sunday as a warm front approaches the region. Snow levels will likely rise up to 7000 feet by Monday evening.
* View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Stock emergency kit with tire chains, flashlight, batteries, blankets, food, water, and medications. The safest place during a winter storm is indoors. Plan now to avoid traveling during the storm. Do not detour during winter storms.
A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant snow accumulations that may create dangerous travel.
TRAVEL & ROAD CONDITIONS
NWS Advisory Levels
A Winter Weather Advisory will be issued for any amount of freezing rain, or when 2 to 4 inches of snow (alone or in combination with sleet and freezing rain), is expected to cause a significant inconvenience, but not serious enough to warrant a warning.
A Winter Storm Watch is issued when there is the potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours. It does not mean that significant and hazardous winter weather will occur.
A Blizzard Warning means that the following conditions are occurring or expected within the next 12 to 18 hours.
A Winter Storm Warning is issued when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent.