Lowest snow level expected Sunday night, more snow possible through Tuesday

By Bert Etling, Ashland.news

A winter storm watch was upped to a winter storm warning by the Medford office of the National Weather Service on Friday evening, effective from 11 p.m. Friday, March 31, to 11 a.m. Monday, April 3, at elevations above 2,500 feet. Ashland is at about 2,000 foot elevation.

Heavy snow is expected at higher elevations, making travel over passes difficult to impossible, the warning advises. A winter storm warning means that severe winter weather is likely and poses a threat to life and property. 

Rain and gusty winds were expected to spread inland with snow above 4,000 feet on Friday evening, according to the NWS forecast, with snow levels falling to 3,500 feet and lingering there much of Saturday.

Snow levels will continue to fall to around 2,500 feet Saturday night, then slowly lower on Sunday. Snow showers will continue Sunday night as snow levels reach the valley floors. Snow levels will fluctuate between the valley floors and 1,800 feet or so through Tuesday with additional showers possible as additional disturbances move through the area.

Motorists should avoid travel if they can, and check tripcheck.com if they do go out, NWS suggests.

Email Ashland.news Executive Editor Bert Etling at betling@ashland.news or call or text him at 541-631-1313.