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 with you 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. Bascially, inland from the coast you must have chains with you from November 1st to March 31st regardless of current conditions in which snow may not be present.

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. 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. The only exception to that will be those 4 wheel / all wheel drives that have studs on.

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 Southern Oregon and Northern California:

Today 12/15 -

prtcldy

Areas of morning fog and low clouds mostly west of the Cascades, otherwise mostly to partly sunny. Highs will be in the low 20s to near 30 for the mountains, and near 30 to the mid 30s east of the Cascades.

Tonight -

niteshwrs

Mostly to partly cloudy with a chance for showers for the coast, Coos County, Douglas County, Western Josephine County, and Northern Klamath County. Snow levels lowering to 2500 to 3000 feet. Lows will be in the upper teens to the mid 20s for the mountains, and low to mid teens east of the Cascades.....except upper teens to near 20 in the Klamath Basin in and near Klamath Falls.