100-plus trees fall near Diamond Lake; OR 138 still shut

More than 100 trees fell onto power lines and Oregon Highway 138 East overnight as ODOT and Pacific Power crews struggled to reopen the highway, officials said Tuesday.

“We can’t give a firm estimate on reopening when we have trees still coming down,” said Dan Metz, ODOT maintenance manager for the High Cascades District.

More ODOT maintenance crews were called in Monday to expedite reopening the highways. Using graders, ODOT cut paths through the snow for utility crews and contracted timber fallers.

The plan is to reopen Oregon 138 East first and then concentrate on Oregon Highway 230.

People staying at Diamond Lake Resort who were notified of the coming storm, yet chose to stay, were escorted by ODOT crews toward Roseburg Monday .

The three highways were closed on Saturday for public safety due to blizzard conditions. Snow, mudslides, and fallen trees and power lines continued through Monday night .

Advance warning signs were posted, directing travelers to use alternate routes from U.S. Highway 97 to Interstate 5.

The National Weather Service has issued a new winter storm watch starting late Wednesday over a wide area, including all of Central Oregon, for several inches more snow and a threat of freezing rain.