Road conditions for Southern Oregon and Northern California.

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SNOW ZONE LAWS ARE IN EFFECT!! They apply to residents and non residents alike, without exceptions. From now through March 31st, you must carry chains or have approved traction tires or studs on regardless of vehicle type in Oregon in areas designated snow zones. In Southern Oregon that is ALL areas of the Cascades above 3000 feet, and also ALL areas east of the Cascades regardless of elevation point. West of the Cascades, Snow Zones are designated with signage where applicable. This can be any elevation point with incline gradients to the road involved. You are encouraged to have chains with you regardless of vehicle type and if you have approved snow tires or studs on. In times of heavy snowfalls, traction tires alone will not suffice. And, if you are towing you will always have to chain up. ALWAYS!

In Northern California, Snow Zones are designated with signage. However, carry chains will only be the law when winter weather conditions are occurring or are expected to occur. As is the case with Oregon, approved traction tires or studs will typically get you by. But! They do require chains to be with any vehicle at any time if the conditions call for it. They will screen your vehicle to be sure you have them. Therefore.....ALL vehicles must carry chains in California regardless of type. And, in California it is not uncommon for chain requirements to include 4 wheel / all wheel drive vehicles.

If you have not put your studded tires on yet, you will want to do that now. Snow, with packed snow on road surfaces, can be expected at any time above 4000 feet in Southern Oregon and Northern California through at least late March. Many highly traveled routes including Siskiyou Summit on I 5 are above 4000 feet. ALL passes through the Cascades in Southern Oregon and Northern California are above 4000 feet. Need studded tires or tire chains? Please scroll down below and click on the Les Schwab Tire Center banner you see.

Weather forecast for the mountains and east of the Cascades in Central and Southern Oregon, and for Northern California:

TODAY 1/26 -

rainyday

Scattered showers for the entirety of Central and Southern Oregon as well as Northern California. There could be periods of sustained snow in the Cascades due to upsloping. Snow levels are lowering and will get to near 4500 feet later today into this evening. 1 to 3 inches of snow is possible above 5000 feet especially later. Expect breezy to windy conditions for the entire area. Highest winds will be at the Coos and Douglas County coastal and in the mountains above 5000 feet with winds reaching 20 to 30 miles an hour. Highs will be in the 20s to near 40 for the mountains with temperatures falling rapidly this afternoon, and near 40 to the low 50s east of the Cascades.

Tonight -

niterainsnow

Frequent showers for all areas with sustained snow likely for the Cascades. Snow levels 4500 to 5000 feet. Expect 3 to 6 inches of snow in the Cascades north of Highway 58, 1 to 4 inches of snow in the Cascades from Highway 58 south, and an inch or less from Highway 140 south for all mountain areas, and also for the mountains east of the Cascades. Expect breezy to windy conditions for all areas. Highest winds will be at the Oregon coast, and the mountains, with winds reaching gusts of 15 to 30 miles an hour at times. Lows will be in the mid 20s to the mid 30s for the mountains and near 30 to the mid 30s east of the Cascades.