C.O. snow, black ice make for slick return to work
Snow, ice and black ice returned in widespread fashion around Central Oregon Monday morning, making for more slippery roads and slide-offs.
The Oregon Department of Transportation warned before daybreak that motorists across the region needed to be wary of the icy conditions across the region.
“Drivers who can wait until temperatures warm (above freezing) are urged to do so,” the emergency alert said.
ODOT spokesman Peter Murphy said its crews were de-icing and placing cinders on trouble spots. He urged drivers to “use extreme caution while driving,” especially during the early morning hours.
Deschutes County sheriff’s Sgt. William Bailey said packed snow and ice was making for slick driving on Highway 97 from Lava Butte south, as well as side roads. Despite that, he said around 8:30 a.m., “Things are going very well this morning.”
Track the latest road conditions on our Trip Check page.
At Mt. Bachelor, which opened for the season with three lifts over the weekend, seven inches of new snow were reported for a 22-inch depth. Hoodoo Ski Area by Santiam Pass, which hopes to open Friday (a decision is expected Tuesday), reported nearly two feet of snow as of Monday morning, including more than eight inches in the past 24 hours.
The National Weather Service continued a winter weather advisory until 4 p.m. for areas on the east slopes of the Cascades, including La Pine and Sunriver, saying 4-8 inches total were possible above 3,500 feet and 1-3 inches below. They also warned of westerly winds 10-25 mph with local gusts up to 45 mph as the snow level rises to near 4,000 feet in the afternoon.
NewsChannel 21 Chief Meteorologist Bob Shaw predicted mixed showers Monday as highs reach the low to mid 40s. He said to expect partial clearing late in the day in a break between storms.
The Register Guard reported (http://bit.ly/2fJeGTd) that ski resorts, ski shops and mountain tourist towns are gearing up for a white December by making extra hires and planning for crowds.
Hoodoo is hiring extra employees on top of the 40 to 50 seasonal workers already hired.
Hoodoo spokesman Leif Williams says the mountain needs 30 inches of hard-packed snow to prepare for skiers and snowboarders.
Mount Hood opened four lifts Friday.
