UPDATE 4 p.m.: Expect delays on Interstate-5 southbound between Ashland and the Oregon-California border. ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation) crews are intermittently holding traffic to allow snow plows to clear the highway. Do NOT attempt alternate routes to avoid the Interstate as secondary roads may not be maintained for through traffic. See TripCheck.com for updates.
UPDATE Noon; Parks and Recreation closures this week:
- North Mountain Park Nature Center will be closed Tuesday through Thursday, February 17 to 19. All volunteer activities have been canceled. Staff can be reached at 541-488-5340.
- Oak Knoll Golf Course will be closed until further notice. Staff can be reached at 541-482-4311.
- The Grove... Recreation classes scheduled at The Grove are canceled through Thursday, February 19. Staff can be reached at 541-488-5340.
- Ashland Senior Center is closed for the entire week, through Friday, February 20. All classes at the Senior Center are canceled. Staff can be reached at 541-488-5342.
- Food & Friends Meals... For questions about meal delivery, please contact Food & Friends directly at 541-734-9505.
The decision to cancel Parks and Recreation classes for most of the week is based not only on the forecasted weather, but also concerns about snow- and ice-packed parking lots and icy morning conditions. We want you to stay safe at home. All classes will be rescheduled, and staff are communicating directly with instructors and participants.
UPDATE 11:30 a.m.:
- The RVTD (Rogue Valley Transportation District) Route 10 in Ashland has been suspended for the remainder of February 17 due to unsafe road conditions. Valley Lift Service in Ashland is also suspended for the remainder of February 17. Learn more. (English and Espanol)
- Interstate-5 southbound Exit 14 in Ashland is backed up due to inclement weather.
UPDATE 10:30 a.m.:
- A semi-truck is blocking the intersection of Oak Street and Hersey Street. Tow trucks are several hours out. Please avoid the area and use alternate routes if possible.
UPDATE 9:30 a.m.:
- The City Council meeting scheduled for February 17 has been canceled.
- All Parks and Recreation classes have been canceled.
ORIGINAL at 9 a.m.:
With winter weather impacting our area, here’s what you need to know about snowplow operations, winter driving, reporting storm-related issues and staying safe during and after the storm.
SNOWPLOW ROUTES & WINTER ROADS
Snow began sticking in Ashland around 5 a.m. this morning, and our crews started plowing shortly afterward.We operate five snowplow-equipped trucks. Our trained operators plow roads based on a priority system: routes to the Ashland Hospital and major arterials take precedence over collector streets and neighborhoods. If the snowfall is continuous, our crews may be busy plowing the same routes repeatedly to keep priority streets accessible. In those scenarios, your neighborhood street may not get plowed for several days. For more information visit ashlandoregon.gov/Streets.
WINTER DRIVING
Remember, if driving becomes treacherous, pull over to the nearest parking space and get home another way! In major snow events, the City will suspend issuing parking tickets until people are able to safely get their vehicles home.
Check out ODOT's (Oregon Department of Transportation) Winter Travel News Packet 2025-2026 (PDF). This important guide features winter travel information, driver responsibilities, safe cycling in the winter, information about TripCheck and so much more! Make a plan to use TripCheck.com for information on road conditions and closures. With TripCheck you get access to traffic cameras, incident alerts, travel information and more! (If you are in an area without internet access, call 511 for information.)
Looking for additional winter driving tips? Our Transportation Advisory Committee offers, Winter Driving in Ashland: Staying Safe When the Weather Turns.
REPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUES
If you experience a power outage or see downed trees or other storm damage during or after a storm, we have an app for easy reporting. SeeClickFix is Ashland’s live citizen reporting tool for non-emergency issues. You can download it from your app store or use our web reporting tool at ashlandoregon.gov/SeeClickFix.
SEVERE WEATHER SHELTERS
Severe Weather overnight shelters open in Ashland Tuesday and Wednesday nights, February 17 and 18, offering overnight, low-barrier shelter at two locations on a first-come basis. The shelters are operated by OHRA – Read the details.
TRASH & RECYCLING SERVICES
Recology Ashland provides trash and recycling services to residents of Ashland. During inclement weather, collection routes may be delayed by one or two days. Customers will not be charged for any extra materials accumulated during these delays. Service will resume as soon as conditions are safe for trucks to operate.
EMERGING FROM THE STORM
One of the most common questions we receive after a snowstorm is when the City will come clear sidewalks, driveways or parking spaces. Unfortunately, the answer is… we won’t! Sidewalks and driveways are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner per our municipal code. Part of this is due to the City’s capacity. Our staff will be focused on clearing roads, repairing major infrastructure and responding to emergency calls, so we rely on community members to keep their sidewalks and driveways clear. If you have a neighbor that struggles shoveling snow, please jump in to help.
As for parking spaces and public parking lots, these are the lowest priority for our snowplows. If you’d like to keep parking available in front of your business, you are welcome to shovel the snow out of the way. Please just stay safe and watch for traffic while you do so.
For more winter weather readiness tips, visit our Emergency Preparedness pages at ashlandoregon.gov/BetterPrepared. Be sure to check local weather conditions regularly and sign up for emergency alerts. We’re Better Together!
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