Winter Driving Conditions Information
Although the Newberg and Portland campuses are currently ice and snow-free, that might not be the case this weekend, as a wintry mix of weather is forecast for Saturday and Sunday before it turns to rain. As you return to school or work, please pay careful attention to your state’s Department of Transportation website and road cams to check the road conditions.
Many mountain passes have been requiring chains or traction tires, or have been closed due to adverse weather and travel conditions (I-5 in the Siskiyous). Here are the regulations regarding usage of chains in the state of Oregon.
The tripcheck.com website in Oregon is extremely helpful to view the actual mountain passes through the provided webcams. The CalTrans website also has webcams, as does the WashDot website. If you are traveling from central or eastern Oregon via Highway 20, please be advised that even though chains may or may not be required depending on when you travel, the road is plowed but is icy and rutted.
As always, you need to be prepared for winter driving conditions, and at a minimum should have the following
- Chains and something to kneel on when installing them
- One gallon of water per person
- High-energy food like trail mix, granola bars, etc.
- Several flashlights
- A mirror to signal for help if you run off the road
- Flares
- An ice scraper and de-icer
- Blankets
- Warm coats/hat/gloves
- A shovel
- Kitty litter or bird seed for traction should you become stuck.
A cell phone charger that works off the car’s battery is also recommended should you become stranded or delayed. A reflective vest is also highly recommended if you are traveling at night and have to stop to install chains.
Travel during the afternoon if at all possible when it is the warmest, and be prepared for slow traffic traveling at 20 to 30 mph over the mountain passes. If you are not a confident driver in snow or ice, then take public transportation back to school and retrieve your car at spring break when travel conditions will hopefully be much better!
Be safe!
– Security Services