Santiam Pass slippery as new storm nears

Winter weather – and tricky driving conditions – have officially arrived at Santiam Pass, making for more slick conditions after a string of crashes in recent weeks.

Already there were a couple of inches of snow on the roads early Monday through the pass, and at least one SUV slipped off the road in the slush and ice, as ODOT crews were out in full force, plowing and sanding.

“Everybody just needs to slow down a little bit and don’t overdrive the conditions of the highway,” ODOT Santiam Junction Manager Greg Adams said Monday.

More snow is expected Monday night, and a strong Pacific storm has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a high wind warning on the High Desert, between 10 p.m. Monday and 4 a.m. Wednesday, for southwest winds 25-40 mph and gusts to 60 mph.

For now, one pass driver told NewsChannel 21 he always takes it a little slower through the slush.

“I drive much more cautiously and pay more attention to what I’m doing and give plenty of leeway to the people in front of me,” Eugene resident Kory Plakos said. “I always worry driving those first few weekends, because that’s when you have the most people that aren’t prepared for it. They’re not expecting it.”

There have been several crashes on Santiam Pass so far this fall.

ODOT wants to remind drivers to give extra room to other vehicles and slow down in winter driving conditions.