Heavy snowfall forecast this week may necessitate chain requirements and highway closures in Oregon’s mountain routes, transportation officials warned Tuesday.
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has already begun full winter operations, with staff stationed at mountain passes since earlier this month.
As an atmospheric river approaches the region, officials strongly advise travelers to postpone any trips over the Cascades until road personnel can handle snow accumulation.
“If you can reschedule a trip for a couple of days, that’s the best option—rather than taking the extra time or risking the delay of being caught while we have to do a temporary closure to catch up with the snowfall,” said David House, the public information officer for ODOT.
Heavy snowfall fell Tuesday morning at Santiam Pass, prompting truckers to pull over to put on chains.
Sally Ballatty and her dogs crossed Santiam Pass, eager to meet family in Central Oregon.
“It was fine. Some components are four-wheel low. Others went four-wheel high, and several truckers had stopped to chain up. But several people were moving slowly,” Ballatty remarked.
Enrique Lorenzo and his coworkers traveled from Portland.
“It was fairly decent. It’s not as horrible as it has been in the past, but there are a lot of people chained up,” Lorenzo explained.
For anyone who must traverse the Cascades in the coming days, ODOT advises that all vehicles, especially those with four-wheel drive, should carry chains. Travelers should also anticipate potential delays and periodic highway closures throughout the week. As a precaution, pack extra clothing, blankets, snacks, and water.
Reference: Brace for heavy snow: Chain requirements and closures possible on Oregon mountain passes
