GOVERNMENT CAMP, Ore. — The power was knocked out at Timberline Lodge on Wednesday during the first blizzard to hit the Cascade Mountains in 12 years.
The ski resort said its running on generators, and Wy'East Cafe and Y'Bar are closed. The pucci and bruno lifts, however, are open. The Timberline Shuttle isn't operating and the Alpine Trail remains closed.
"UPDATE: Pucci and Bruno’s are OPEN! Power is out at Timberline and we’re running on generators. The website is currently down," Timberline Lodge said on its Instagram page. "WE ARE HERE AND THERE IS SO MUCH SNOW! Please ski and ride with care, avoid tree wells, and partner with a buddy."
Government Camp is expected to receive another foot of new snow, according to KGW Meteorologist Rod Hill.
Timberline, Mount Hood Meadows and Ski Bowl closed all lift operations Tuesday during the blizzard, and some opened lifts back up on Wednesday.
Mount Bachelor delayed all lifts in the morning and said operations would be limited due to recovery after the blizzard. The ski resort said it received over two feet of snow in the last five hours, and almost five feet of snow this week.
On its Instagram page, Mount Bachelor shared a video shot by patrol and lift maintenance teams during the storm. The ski resort said there were 100 mph wind gusts Tuesday morning, thick ice blanketing chairs and nonstop heavy snowfall.
The National Weather Service canceled all storm warnings in the Cascades Wednesday afternoon. The blizzard warning called for wind gusts of up to 55 mph and around 20 to 40 inches of snow to fall on the mountain passes.
Despite the cancelation, drivers who need to travel through the Cascades this week may still encounter some spots with heavy snow and dangerous road conditions.
WINTER DRIVING EMERGENCY KIT
- Jumper cables
- First aid kit
- Ice scraper
- Extra hats (wool, if possible)
- Extra jackets and gloves
- Extra socks
- Extra sets of dry clothing
- Snacks (canned fruits, nuts, high-energy snacks)
- Several bottles of water
- Warm broth in a thermos
- Fully charged cell phone OR a two-way radio
- Cell phone charger
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Newspapers (for insulation)
- Plastic bags (for sanitation)
IF YOU GET STRANDED
What if you do get stranded? What should you do?
Here's the complete list the Red Cross provides on its website for what drivers should do if they get stranded inside their car in a winter storm:
- Stay in the vehicle and wait for help. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards (91 meters). You can quickly become disoriented and confused in blowing snow.
- Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help. Hang a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) on the radio antenna and raise the hood after snow stops falling.
- Run the engine occasionally to keep warm. Turn on the engine for about 10 minutes each hour (or five minutes every half hour). Running the engine for only short periods reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and conserves fuel. Use the heater while the engine is running. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation.
- Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
- Do light exercises to keep up circulation. Clap your hands and move your arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long.
- If more than one person is in the vehicle, take turns sleeping. If you are not awakened periodically to increase body temperature and circulation, you can freeze to death.
- Huddle together for warmth. Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable floor mats for added insulation. Layering items will help trap more body heat.
- Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Severe cold can cause numbness, making you unaware of possible danger.
- Drink fluids to avoid dehydration, which can make you more susceptible to the ill effects of cold and to heart attacks.
- Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Shoveling snow or pushing a vehicle can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.
