Alert archive / Oregon / Winter Storm Warnings in 2021

Winter Storm Warning 6, NWS Medford, OR

February 12, 20214 counties in Oregon

NWS Medford, OR issued this winter storm warning at Feb 12, 2021, 8:59 PM PST for 4 counties in Oregon. It took effect at Feb 12, 2021, 10:00 PM PST. It was in force for 13 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Feb 12, 2021, 8:59 PM PST (04:59 UTC)
In effect from
Feb 12, 2021, 10:00 PM PST
Expired
Feb 13, 2021, 10:33 AM PST
In force
13 hr
Issued by
NWS Medford, OR

Counties Douglas County, OR, Jackson County, OR, Josephine County, OR, Klamath County, OR

The radar

The Medford radar (KMAX), 68 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 05:02 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Medford/Jackson, OR (KMFR), launched 00:00Z, 5.0 hours before the alert went out and 36 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Medford/Jackson, OR at 00:00Z on 2021-02-13Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Medford/Jackson, OR at 00:00Z on 2021-02-13The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 150 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
861 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
54 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
150 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
326 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

991 
WWUS46 KMFR 130459
WSWMFR

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
859 PM PST Fri Feb 12 2021


ORZ027-028-131800-
/O.NEW.KMFR.WS.W.0006.210213T0600Z-210214T0000Z/
/O.EXT.KMFR.WW.Y.0016.210213T0600Z-210214T0000Z/
South Central Oregon Cascades-
Siskiyou Mountains and Southern Oregon Cascades-
Including the cities of Crater Lake, Crescent Lake, Diamond Lake,
and Howard Prairie
859 PM PST Fri Feb 12 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST SATURDAY ABOVE
   5500 FEET... 
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM 
   PST SATURDAY ABOVE 4500 FEET...

* WHAT...For the Winter Storm Warning above 5500 feet, heavy snow
  expected. Total snow accumulations of 12 to 18 inches. Winds 
  gusting as high as 40 mph. For the Winter Weather Advisory above
  4500 feet, snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 12 
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...South Central Oregon Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains and
  Southern Oregon Cascades. The warning area includes the Cascade
  Crest above 5500 feet from near Lake of the Woods north through
  Crater Lake to around the Diamond Lake area. This includes the
  highest portions of highways 62, 138, and 230. The advisory area
  includes areas above 4500 feet, including Howard Prairie. This
  includes portions of highways 62, 230, 138, 140, 66 and the
  Mount Ashland Ski road. In Klamath County and Western Lake
  County this includes Modoc Point, Chiloquin, Chemult and
  Crescent and higher terrain above 4500 feet. This includes 
  portions of highway 97, 140, 58, and 31.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will start around 4500 feet and
  drop to around 3500 feet during the advisory. Interstate 5 at
  Siskiyou Summit is not included in this advisory, but they will
  see up to 2 inches of snow during this period. Snow will be
  heaviest from midnight until 10 am pst Saturday, but lighter 
  snow is expected before and after the advisory.

* View the hazard area in detail at 
  https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/HAZARD

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

* Travel is strongly discouraged because of dangerous conditions.

* If you must travel, keep tire chains, a flashlight, blankets, 
  food, water, medications, and a fully charged phone with you.

* The safest place during a winter storm is indoors.

* See https://www.tripcheck.comfor latest road conditions.

* A Winter Storm Warning means that severe winter weather is
  imminent and poses a threat to life and property. Take 
  protective action now.

* A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means that periods of snow 
  will cause travel difficulties.

&&

$$

ORZ029-030-131800-
/O.EXT.KMFR.WW.Y.0016.210213T0600Z-210214T0000Z/
Klamath Basin-
Northern and Eastern Klamath County and Western Lake County-
Including the cities of Chemult, Crescent, and Gilchrist
859 PM PST Fri Feb 12 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST SATURDAY
   ABOVE 4500 FEET...

* WHAT...Wet snow expected above 4500 feet. Total snow
  accumulations of 2 to 5 inches along highway 97 north of
  Chiloquin and highway 31 north of Silver Lake. 6 to 9 inches on
  highway 62 towards Crater Lake and highways 232 and 138 near 
  Diamond Lake. 4 to 8 inches on highway 140 near Lake of the 
  Woods and near Mount Ashland Ski Area. Winds gusting as high as 
  35 mph.

* WHERE...This includes Modoc Point, Chiloquin, Chemult and 
  Crescent and higher terrain above 4500 feet in Klamath and 
  western Lake Counties. This also includes portions of highway 
  97, 140, 58, and 31.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery conditions and snow-covered 
  roadways. Visibilities may be reduced with blowing snow after 
  4 AM.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will start around 4500 feet and
  drop to around 3500 feet during the advisory. Snow will be
  heaviest from midnight until 10 am pst Saturday, but lighter 
  snow is expected before and after the advisory.

* View the hazard area in detail at 
  https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/HAZARD

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.

&&

$$

CAZ082-083-085-ORZ031-131800-
/O.CON.KMFR.WW.Y.0016.210213T0600Z-210213T1800Z/
South Central Siskiyou County-
North Central and Southeast Siskiyou County-Modoc County-
Central and Eastern Lake County-
Including the city of Valley Falls
859 PM PST Fri Feb 12 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST
   SATURDAY ABOVE 4500 FEET...

* WHAT...Wet snow above 4500 feet expected. Snow accumulations 
  of 2 to 5 inches. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph bringing 
  periods of reduced visibility.

* WHERE...The Warner Mountains in Oregon and California, including
  portions of Highway 299 at Cedar Pass, Highway 140 near
  Lakeview, and the higher elevations of highway 97 south of 
  Macdoel. In addition, rural areas of southern and eastern 
  Siskiyou County and the Mt. Shasta Ski Park.

* WHEN...From 10 PM Friday to 10 AM PST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery conditions and snow-covered 
  roadways. Visibilities could decrease due to winds blowing 
  snow.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will start around 5000 feet and
  drop to 4000 feet through Saturday morning. Snow will be
  heaviest from midnight until 10 am pst Saturday, but lighter
  snow is expected before and after the advisory. 

* View the hazard area in detail at 
  https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/HAZARD

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 and http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov 
  for latest road conditions.

* A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means that periods of snow 
  will cause travel difficulties.

&&

$$

CAZ080-131800-
/O.CON.KMFR.WW.Y.0016.210213T0600Z-210213T1800Z/
Western Siskiyou County-
859 PM PST Fri Feb 12 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST
   SATURDAY ABOVE 4500 FEET...

* WHAT...Wet snow above 4500 feet expected. Snow accumulations 
  of 3 to 6 inches. West winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of the Marble Mountains in western Siskiyou 
  County. This includes Sawyers Bar Road at Etna Mountain Summit 
  and portions of Highway 3 south of Callahan near Scott 
  Mountain.

* WHEN...From 10 PM Friday to 10 AM PST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery conditions and snow-covered 
  roadways. Visibilities could decrease due to winds blowing 
  snow.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will start around 5000 feet and
  drop to 4000 feet through Saturday morning. Snow will be
  heaviest from midnight until 10 am pst Saturday, but lighter
  snow is expected before and after the advisory. 

* View the hazard area in detail at 
  https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/HAZARD

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 http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov for latest road conditions.

* A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means that periods of snow 
  will cause travel difficulties.

&&

$$

Visit us at https://www.weather.gov/Medford
1 follow-up statement
874 
WWUS46 KMFR 131833
WSWMFR

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Medford OR
1033 AM PST Sat Feb 13 2021

ORZ027-028-140000-
/O.CAN.KMFR.WS.W.0006.000000T0000Z-210214T0000Z/
/O.CON.KMFR.WW.Y.0016.000000T0000Z-210214T0000Z/
South Central Oregon Cascades-
Siskiyou Mountains and Southern Oregon Cascades-
Including the cities of Crater Lake, Crescent Lake, Diamond Lake,
and Howard Prairie.
1033 AM PST Sat Feb 13 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING HAS BEEN CANCELLED... 
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS 
AFTERNOON ABOVE 4500 FEET...

* WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory above 4500 feet, additional 
  snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 
  mph.

* WHERE...South Central Oregon Cascades and Siskiyou Mountains and 
  Southern Oregon Cascades. The warning area includes the Cascade 
  Crest above 4500 feet from near Lake of the Woods north through 
  Crater Lake to around the Diamond Lake area and Howard Prairie.
  This includes the portions of highways 62, 138, 230, 138, 140, 66 
  and the Mount Ashland Ski road. In Klamath County and Western Lake 
  County this includes Modoc Point, Chiloquin, Chemult and Crescent 
  and higher terrain above 4500 feet. This includes portions of 
  highway 97, 140, 58, and 31.

* WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, until 4 PM PST this 
  afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels of around 4500 feet will drop to 
  around 3500 feet during the advisory. Interstate 5 at Siskiyou 
  Summit is not included in this advisory, but they will see around 
  an inch of additional snow during this period. 

* View the hazard area in detail at 
  https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/HAZARD

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

* Travel is strongly discouraged because of dangerous conditions.

* If you must travel, keep tire chains, a flashlight, blankets, 
  food, water, medications, and a fully charged phone with you.

* The safest place during a winter storm is indoors.

* See https://www.tripcheck.comfor latest road conditions.

* A Winter Storm Warning means that severe winter weather is 
  imminent and poses a threat to life and property. Take protective 
  action now.

* A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means that periods of snow will 
  cause travel difficulties.

&&

$$

CAZ082-083-085-ORZ031-140000-
/O.NEW.KMFR.WW.Y.0017.210213T1833Z-210214T0000Z/
South Central Siskiyou County-
North Central and Southeast Siskiyou County-Modoc County-
Central and Eastern Lake County-
Including the city of Valley Falls
1033 AM PST Sat Feb 13 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS 
AFTERNOON ABOVE 4500 FEET...

* WHAT...Wet snow above 4500 feet expected. Additional Snow 
  accumulations of up to 2 inches. Winds could gust as high as 35 
  mph bringing periods of reduced visibility.

* WHERE...The Warner Mountains in Oregon and California, including 
  portions of Highway 299 at Cedar Pass, Highway 140 near Lakeview, 
  and the higher elevations of highway 97 south of Macdoel. In 
  addition, rural areas of southern and eastern Siskiyou County and 
  the Mt. Shasta Ski Park.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM PST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery conditions and snow-covered roadways. 
  Visibilities could decrease due to winds blowing snow.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will start around 5000 feet and 
  drop to 4000 feet through Saturday morning. Snow will be heaviest 
  from midnight until 10 am pst Saturday, but lighter snow is 
  expected before and after the advisory.

* View the hazard area in detail at 
  https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/HAZARD

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 and http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov for 
  latest road conditions.

* A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means that periods of snow will 
  cause travel difficulties.

&&

$$

ORZ029-030-140000-
/O.CON.KMFR.WW.Y.0016.000000T0000Z-210214T0000Z/
Klamath Basin-
Northern and Eastern Klamath County and Western Lake County-
Including the cities of Chemult, Crescent, and Gilchrist
1033 AM PST Sat Feb 13 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS 
AFTERNOON ABOVE 4500 FEET...

* WHAT...Snow expected above 4500 feet. Additional snow 
  accumulations of up to 2 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...This includes Modoc Point, Chiloquin, Chemult and Crescent 
  and higher terrain above 4500 feet in Klamath and western Lake 
  Counties. This also includes portions of highway 97, 140, 58, and 
  31.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery conditions and snow-covered roadways. 
  Visibilities may be reduced with blowing snow after 4 AM.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will start around 4500 feet and 
  drop to around 3500 feet during the advisory. 

* View the hazard area in detail at 
  https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mfr/HAZARD

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.


&&

$$

Visit us at https://www.weather.gov/Medford

The office that day

Everything else NWS Medford, OR issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Feb 13, 2:11 AM PSTSmall Craft AdvisoryMFR18 hr
Feb 13, 10:33 AM PSTWinter Weather AdvisoryMFRLake4 hr

Nearby

Winter Storm Warnings in Oregon, 2021Every winter storm warning in 2021

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.