Winter weather forecast will bring earlier closure than planned for Cascade Lakes Highway, Paulina Lake Road

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Due to this week’s winter weather forecast, the Deschutes County Road Department will close Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road at 7 a.m. on Thursday, which is earlier than previously announced.

The department had planned on a Tuesday, Nov.19 winter closure of the high-elevation forest roadways.

The county provides maintenance on both roadways. Snow accumulation at the road summits can exceed 5-10 feet, and continual snow and ice maintenance is cost prohibitive.

Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road will remain closed until the Road Department can remove the snow that has accumulated over the winter and spring. Typically, both roadways are opened ahead of the Memorial Day holiday.