Welcome to High Desert winter (preview edition)
Just as predicted, much of the High Desert awakened to a “preview edition” of winter Monday morning, though the big, fat snowflakes didn’t always lead to measurable amounts beyond roads, lawns and the like.
The National Weather Service let its winter weather advisory for areas above 3,500 feet expire at 11 a.m. as planned. Forecasters said very light snow accumulations were reported over most of the area as the work week began.
An NWS spotter west-southwest of Camp Sherman reported two inches of snow before it ended, and areas around La Pine also reported an inch or more.
On the other hand, Mt. Bachelor reported “a winter wonderland,” with eight inches of new snow overnight and a total of 10 inches on the ground, with it still coming down around 9 a.m.
As temperatures flirted around the freezing mark, or dipped below, there were slide-offs and crashes on slick spots around the region, though none were reported with serious injuries. The sun came out for much of the area by late morning, mixed with wind and cold temperatures that kept it feeling like freezing.
NewsChannel 21 Chief Meteorologist Bob Shaw said the High Desert can expect mixed showers through the day and more snow showers overnight, as lows again dip to freezing.
ODOT, still gearing up for winter, said it is bringing in extra help and will have crews out patroling for icy spots and sanding where needed, especially overnight and in the early morning hours.
“As drivers experience these colder and wetter than normal weather conditions, ODOT reminds motorists to drive with extra caution, and to put emergency supplies into the family car,” the agency said.
ODOT also said motorists can expect icy conditions at higher-elevation passes and along Highway 97 south of Bend during the colder parts of the day for the next couple of days.
