An atmospheric river will focus moisture along a stalled frontal boundary across southern Oregon and northern California. This will generate large amounts of precipitation across the area, which should translate into heavy snowfall for the mountains. Snow levels will be around 4000 to 4500 feet for most of the area, so only the higher terrain is expected to see the extreme snowfall. This includes roads like Highway 62 and 138 near Crater and Diamond Lakes, Highway 140 near Lake of the Woods, and possibly U.S. Highway 97 near Chemult. The location of the stalled front will really determine if areas like Chemult get extremely heavy snow.

Additionally, there will be the possibility for strong winds on Sunday, which over the exposed locations could create near-blizzard conditions. We encourage you to plan on traveling before the winter storm so you don’t have to travel during it. Additional moderate to heavy mountain snowfall will be possible after this system during the week. Therefore, we encourage you to continue checking the road conditions, as well as our winter storm precautions (Winter Storm Prep.).

You can call 511 for Oregon road conditions and for California road conditions call 800-427-ROAD (7623) or visit their websites listed below.

• Oregon road conditions: Tripcheck.com
• California road conditions: Caltrans
• NWS hazard viewer: Here

Heavy rain is expected this weekend through at least Monday night with moderate rain expected thereafter. Snow levels will rise to around 4000 to 5000 feet which could create some rain on snow run-off. This will create rapid rises, especially for small streams and creeks, but some main stem rivers will also see the rapid rises, and could experience some flooding. The main concerns at this time are the Coquille River at Coquille, and the South Fork of the Coquille River at Myrtle Point.

Otherwise, we could easily see water ponding on roadways in urban areas, and possible debris flows in steeper terrain, especially across the recent burn scars. Of particular concern are the Klondike and Chetco Bar burn scars.

Please stay tuned to the forecast and pay attention to any warnings that are issued. If you come across a flooded roadway, find an alternate route. Turn around, don’t drown. Also, please report the flooding to your local law enforcement who will relay it to us at the National Weather Service in Medford.