Medford, OR – Heavy snow and icy conditions have prompted road closures and chain requirements across southern Oregon and northern California. Motorists traveling through Jackson, Klamath, and Lake counties in Oregon, as well as Siskiyou County in California, are urged to exercise caution as winter weather continues to impact travel in the region.
Jackson County, Oregon:
Travelers on Interstate 5 at the Siskiyou Summit are required to use chains, as snow accumulation has made the road conditions treacherous. Additionally, OR-273 (from mileposts 1 to 12) remains fully closed due to unsafe conditions.
Klamath County, Oregon:
On ORE62 between mileposts 55 and 65.45, chains are required for all vehicles. For vehicles under 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW) and not towing, traction tires are allowed as an alternative. Meanwhile, OR-138 between mileposts 83 and 93 also has chain requirements in place, with the same alternative allowed for eligible vehicles.
Lake County, Oregon:
In Lake County, travelers on OR-140 between mileposts 1 and 12, and between mileposts 63 and 73, must use chains if towing or if their vehicle weighs over 10,000 GVW.
Siskiyou County, California:
Several locations in Siskiyou County are seeing chain restrictions and traction device requirements due to heavy snow.
- I-5 Northbound, approximately 6 miles south of Oregon, requires chains or traction devices for all vehicles, except four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with snow-tread tires on all four wheels.
- I-5 Southbound, 14.5 miles north of Central Yreka, also has similar chain and traction device requirements.
- I-5 Northbound, 3 miles north of Yreka, continues to enforce chains or traction devices.
- On Highway 3, both northbound and southbound lanes are affected by chain requirements. Chains are needed on all vehicles, except four-wheel/all-wheel-drive vehicles with snow-tread tires, at locations 2 miles south of Junction I-5 and SR 3, and 6 miles north of Fort Jones.
Motorists are strongly advised to check road conditions before traveling and to be prepared for difficult driving conditions. The winter weather is expected to persist in the coming days, causing further disruptions to roadways throughout the region. Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and ensure their vehicles are equipped for winter conditions.