Heavy Snow Causes Travel Challenges Along Byway

hcsbadmin — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 21:17:56 +0000

The last few weeks have brought the kind of winter weather we have not seen for a few years. Heavy snowfall, frigid temperatures and wind have caused occasional road closures on Interstate 84 and many of the state highways and county roads in the area.

We are thrilled to have the snow piling up in the mountains, promising water in the reservoirs, creeks and rivers next spring and summer! And skiing is great at Anthony Lakes Ski Resort in the Elkhorn Ridge of the Blue Mountains, northwest of Baker City. The fluffy, dry snow is wonderful for all kinds of winter recreation.

But, the combination of volume and blowing snow makes travel a challenge at times. So, please slow down, allow plenty of distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you, carry extra coats, blankets, food and water at all times, and keep the gas tank topped off. Don’t trust GPS to find a way around closed roads – too many people have become dangerously stranded or lost their lives doing so. And, last, keep an eye on www.tripcheck.com to view the road cameras and for the latest news on alerts and road conditions all across Oregon.

If you are planning to camp somewhere in byway country, be sure to check with staff at the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Oregon State Parks, and the county parks departments (Baker, Union, Wallowa) before heading out. In addition, Idaho Power announced today that Copperfield Park on the Snake River near Oxbow is closed until further notice, due to huge snow drifts in the park. For further information about this closure, please contact Cindy Sorenson, Idaho Power Company | Environmental Affairs:
w: 208.388.2231 or 800.422.3143 | csorensen@idahopower.com
www.idahopower.com

In the meantime, our communities are open and ready to serve your travel needs. Please go to the Visitor Resources page for links to the chambers of commerce and other helpful websites.

Be cautious, stay safe and have fun!

Hells Canyon Scenic Byway Welcomes You In Winter

hcsbadmin — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 17:53:44 +0000

Snow has covered the valley floors in white today, showing us winter is just around the corner! While best known as one of the nation’s top scenic byways during spring, summer and fall, the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway in the northeast corner of Oregon has much to offer in *winter months, as well. Travelers can enjoy amazing scenery, friendly rural towns and a wide range of winter recreation along and adjacent to the byway year-round. Downhill and cross-country skiing, boarding, and snowshoeing can be accessed at Ferguson Ridge Ski Area and nearby Anthony Lakes and Spout Springs Ski Areas when snow conditions allow. A segment of the byway known as the FS 39 Road or Wallowa Mountain Loop Road, which connects Joseph, Enterprise and Wallowa Lake to the north end of the byway with Baker City, Halfway and the Snake River to the south end, closes when the snow stacks up and becomes a popular snowmobile route over the Wallowa Mountains. Anchoring this section at the north end, the Salt Creek Summit SnoPark provides access to groomed trails and back country winter recreation. Scenic Halfway is the jump-off town at the south end. Communities dotting the byway are open for business all year, providing the full range of visitor services (lodging, restaurants, retail stores and attractions) to winter as well as warm month byway travelers. Go to Road Conditions for more information about road conditions, byway recreation and attractions and links to a full array of visitor information and service providers. *Enjoy the byway in segments all year or as a loop from June through October.

snow – Hells Canyon Scenic Byway

Heavy Snow Causes Travel Challenges Along Byway

Hells Canyon Scenic Byway Welcomes You In Winter