Mail Tribune News - I-5 still and ice rink; Mt. Ashland whoops it up

Mail Tribune (Medford, OR — Wayback)

1999-10-07

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I-5 still and ice rink; Mt. Ashland whoops it up Interstate 5 traffic on the Siskiyou Pass was on-again, off-again Saturday night amid snow and slippery conditions, but things were all ahead full at the nearby Mount Ashland ski area. Chain requirements were lifted by midday Saturday, but at about 7 p.m. the interstate was closed by a jack-knifed semi-truck. Oregon State Police Sgt. Steven Cupernall said that despite the two days of icy conditions, he wasn't aware of any serious accidents on the pass. But there was some serious snow at Ski Ashland, where 18 inches had fallen in 24 hours, bringing the mountain's total to 100 inches at the lodge and 140 inches at the summit. "It's been an incredible season and great snow," said Eric Stowers, head of security for Ski Ashland. Stowers said the freeway closures hadn't affected business much, because skiers used Old Highway 99 for access. Today, the National Weather Service forecasts that the Southern Oregon Cascades and Siskiyous should be partly cloudy, with afternoon pass temperatures near 30 degrees and a northeast wind 10 to 20 mph. Tonight it should be partly cloudy, with pass temperatures dropping to 10 or 15 degrees. Monday should be partly cloudy in the Cascades and Siskiyous as well, with afternoon pass temperatures in the 30s. In the Rogue basin, there should be low clouds and patchy fog this morning, then mostly sunny with a high near 45. A northeast wind to 10 mph is forecast. Tonight, areas of low clouds and fog should develop, and it should be partly cloudy, with lows dropping to the 20s. Monday, there should be areas of morning low clouds and fog, and it should be partly cloudy. Highs are expected in the lower- and mid-40s. For Oregon road conditions, call 1-800-977-6368. For California road conditions, call 1-800-427-7623. Or, check out the Mail Tribune's website at www.mailtribune.com . Mail Tribune Copyright �  The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA