Forum Discussion

old_guy's avatar
old_guy
Explorer
Nov 09, 2017

eastern Oregon roads

You might want to keep your gas tanks full this year if you are going through Oregon, they have shut down I 84 a few times already this year. you may be sitting and idling your truck to stay warm. they are using a combination of chemical spray, rock, and salt this year to keep the roads clear. I checked the roads this morning and they look nice and clear of snow and ice. please drive slow and safely. hope you have a good trip south
Roads and Routes
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Nov 09, 2017
    Good advice when traversing any mountain pass.
    Also, turn your heater to defrost long before you hit snow. It keeps the snow from bunching up at the base of the wipers.
  • Bob_Olallawa's avatar
    Bob_Olallawa
    Explorer
    Nov 09, 2017
    ScottG wrote:
    Good advice when traversing any mountain pass.
    Also, turn your heater to defrost long before you hit snow. It keeps the snow from bunching up at the base of the wipers.


    That only worked for me until the temp dropped a bit below freezing, Then the wipers turned to an icicle. I found it best to keep the heat away from the windshield. Back in the day, snow plow driver, I pushed cold air onto the windshield with the vent windows to help keep it cold.
  • obgraham's avatar
    obgraham
    Explorer
    Nov 09, 2017
    Next week I'll make my annual trek from Eastern Washington to Arizona. Though the weather is looking okay so far, the Eastern Oregon bit is always the most difficult. Those ups and downs between Baker City and Ontario can be truly nasty.
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    Nov 09, 2017
    Yep - last year was pretty bad (10 inches snow in Portland) and anytime I head towards the mountains (east or west) I make sure I have a full tank. Over the years I have occasionally been stuck for hours and as I get older appreciate having an on-board bathroom.
  • ORbiker's avatar
    ORbiker
    Explorer
    Nov 10, 2017
    I'm still working. Today's work was driving over Willamette Pass (58) to 97 from the Eugene area to fix some laundry equipment in Central Oregon area. 58 was wet, 34*F with maybe 4" of roadside snow. Returning to the Eugene area on Santiam Pass (20 to 126) it was also wet and 36*F with close to a foot of roadside snow.
    It looks like an early winter is coming to Oregon.

    Safe travels, KEN
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Nov 10, 2017
    ORbiker wrote:
    I'm still working. Today's work was driving over Willamette Pass (58) to 97 from the Eugene area to fix some laundry equipment in Central Oregon area. 58 was wet, 34*F with maybe 4" of roadside snow. Returning to the Eugene area on Santiam Pass (20 to 126) it was also wet and 36*F with close to a foot of roadside snow.
    It looks like an early winter is coming to Oregon.

    Safe travels, KEN

    Yep, early opening for many ski areas on Mt Hood.
  • RideSlow's avatar
    RideSlow
    Explorer
    Nov 10, 2017
    We were looking at getting away in a couple of weeks. Don't think we are going anywhere east. Chinook and Cayuse are closed, SR 20 closes tomorrow per WSDOT. Probably lowlands or coast now.
  • profdant139's avatar
    profdant139
    Explorer II
    Nov 10, 2017
    OK, Bob/Olallawa -- I will reveal my ignorance. (Sigh.) Why would you keep the window COLD in those conditions?? Isn't warm better -- melts the ice?

    (Cue the hearty laughter from the experienced folks who live in cold climates. Have pity on a poor ignorant Southern Californian. Tonight it may get down to 60 where I live -- maybe time for a second blanket on the bed!!)
  • kmac7800's avatar
    kmac7800
    Explorer
    Nov 10, 2017
    Profdant, it is to keep the snow from sticking to the windshield. If it was not warm, nothing would melt, therefore nothing would freeze to it. The snow will just flow over your rig.

    //KMac

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