Snow hits the passes, making travel tricky
Just as predicted, several inches of snow fell Saturday morning on the mountain passes, and Highway 20 at Santiam Pass quickly backed up due to reported slide-offs and crashes.
No injury crashes had been reported by midday, according to Deschutes County dispatchers.
On the other hand, Mt. Bachelor reported that “Mother Nature finally came through for us!” with 14 inches of fresh snow in 24 hours. Crews got the planned four lifts spinning, with much grooming to do. Hoodoo is still closed but added another 3 1/2 inches, moving closer to being able to open.
Drivers heading to the Civil War game in Corvallis or home from holiday travels encountered the treacherous driving conditions, with a semi reported to have jackknifed near the Hoodoo Ski Area turnoff.
Seeing the turn in weather coming on Friday, the Oregon Department of Transportation advised motorists to check travel conditions on Tripcheck.com or call 511 before hitting the road.
ODOT said its maintenance crews will be working day and night to address weather issues as they arise.
General winter driving tips include:
* Plan ahead, give yourself plenty of time.
* Adjust your driving for the conditions if there is ice of snow on the road.
* Be ready to handle potentially dangerous situations.
* Look for signs indicating when chains or traction tires are required, and chain up early when you are required to do so.
* If you lose traction, slow down gradually – don’t slam on your brakes.
* Use extra caution when driving on bridges or concrete highways; ice forms first on these surfaces.
* Give snow plows and road maintenance equipment extra room and don’t pass snow plows on the right (plow drivers will pull over to let you pass, so be patient).
* Don’t use cruise control in wet, icy or snowy weather.
Meanwhile, Oregon State Police (OSP) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) are expecting heavy traffic as football fans travel to Reser Stadium for this Saturday ‘s ‘Civil War’ game between the Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers at 5:00 P.M., in Corvallis. Troopers and transportation safety officials are prepared for the big game and are urging the drivers and fans to be also.
According to ODOT estimates, more than 15,000 additional vehicles may be expected on Interstate 5 and other roads leading to Corvallis this game day and fans and drivers should have a plan.
Here are some travel tips to keep your ‘Civil War’ day memorable and safe:
1. Know Before You Go! 24-hour access to ODOT’s up to the minute traffic alert system @ http://spamaway.npgco.com/canit/urlproxy.php?q=aHR0cDovL3d3dy50cmlwY2hlY2suY29t&r=YmFzZQ%3D%3D or by calling 5-1-1. Need more help – call 800-977-ODOT (6368).
2. Plan patience into your drive – expect congestion and build in extra travel time.
3. State law prohibits the ‘Use’ of cell phones while driving. Avoid the hassle and put away the distractions.
4. Buckle up and if you plan to drink – plan a driver who’s sober, rested and alert.
Everyone traveling on area roads is asked to report any traffic related incidents and drunk or dangerous drivers by calling 9-1-1, or OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865 ).
Have a great Civil War game day!
