Eastern Oregon motorists get an early crash course in winter driving

By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

BAKER COUNTY – Winter may not technically start until the December 21st solstice, but that doesn’t stop winter conditions from creeping in early. Portions of the Cascade and Blue Mountain regions in Eastern Oregon experienced a cold front and winter storm this past weekend, with notable snowfall and wind on the morning of Sunday, November 17. Wet, heavy snow combined with near or slightly above freezing temperatures further resulted in ice buildup in some areas. This first brush with winter, of course, resulted in assorted traffic disruptions, including two confirmed crashes in Baker County.

The first of these crashes occurred just after 8:00 a.m. along Highway 30 near Milepost 54, with the Oregon State Police providing the following description in a recent press log:

“OSP responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 30 near mile post 54. The driver of a rental 2023 Hyundai Tucson tried to brake for another vehicle slowing in front of it and lost traction on snow packed roadway. The vehicle slid into a guardrail adjacent to the roadway. The vehicle damaged 4 posts and approximately 30 feet of guardrail. The vehicle was able to drive under its own power. The driver was warned about driving too fast for the snowy conditions.”

The second crash occurred just prior to 9:30 a.m. along I-84 Eastbound near Milepost 296. As again described in full by the Oregon State Police:

“OSP responded to a single vehicle crash on I-84 East near mile post 296. The driver of a white 2005 Ford Explorer lost traction in snowy/slushy conditions. The driver stated the slush pulled his vehicle towards the median. The driver was not able to correct the vehicle before the vehicle rolled approximately one time in the median. The vehicle came to an uncontrolled rest on its top. Five Star towing responded per OSP request for a non-preference tow to remove the vehicle. The driver did not receive any citations due to the road conditions.”

Thankfully, no injuries or major traffic disruptions were reported in either instance. However, I-84 was still shut down westbound for several hours between La Grande (Exit 265) to just east of Pendleton (Exit 224) due to a crash roughly ten miles west of La Grande. The Oregon State Police has not yet provided a media report on the incident.

Though temperatures are expected to warm up again this week, frequent precipitation could continue to create hazardous road conditions. For anyone that will be traveling (either long distance or simply commuting) the Oregon Department of Transportation offers the following recommendations on driving in snowy conditions:

Allow extra time to get where you’re going. Travel is going to be slow.
Allow extra stopping distance. There is less traction on slick, snowy roads.
Brake gently to avoid skidding or sliding. If the wheels lock up, ease off the brakes.
Carry chains and know how to use them.
Make sure your vehicle is in top operating condition, with clean headlights, good brakes, working windshield wipers and good tires.
Slow down when approaching off-ramps, bridges and shady spots where the snow often lingers longer.
Turn on your headlights to increase your visibility.
Be prepared for delays. Make sure you have water, blankets, a full tank of gas…and plenty of patience!
If you feel tired or if road conditions get rough, don’t be afraid to stop for the night.

For icy conditions specifically:

Turn off your cruise control, be alert and drive cautiously.
Roads that are wet or have fresh snow, packed snow, or ice have varying degrees of traction. Adjust your speed to match road conditions accordingly.
Increase your distance from vehicles in front of you. Allow about three times as much space as usual.
If your vehicle suddenly feels like it’s floating, gradually slow down. Tap on your brakes gently; don’t slam on them.
Changes in elevation can drastically affect road and weather conditions. Watch for icy spots, especially in shaded corners.
Avoid driving through snowdrifts — they may cause your vehicle to spin out of control.
Blowing powder or dry snow can limit your visibility, especially when approaching or following trucks or snowplows. Keep your distance to avoid being blinded by blowing snow.
Look for signs of ice on windshield wipers, side view mirrors, road signs, trees or fences. If ice has formed on any of these things, it may be on the road as well.

Above all, be aware of conditions in advance before departing, and adjust accordingly. Elkhorn Media Group will post daily road condition updates throughout the season on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ElkhornMediaGroup/. Condition updates on major roadways are provided every weekday morning on our radio stations too. Major condition changes and traffic alerts can also be received on the Elkhorn Mobile App.

The Oregon Department of Transportation also provides live statewide road condition updates and highway camera access at https://tripcheck.com/. More winter driving tips can further be found at https://www.oregon.gov/odot/pages/winter-driving.aspx