We’re waiting for Siskiyou Pass to clear…

WAITING ON THE WEATHER. Traveling north on Interstate 5 to reach Oregon requires traversing the Siskiyou Pass and its 4,300 foot elevation at the summit. We’ve driven this route a half dozen times during the summer and enjoyed the scenery and the drive. But wait, it’s winter…an unusual weather condition largely unknown to a lifelong Southern California boy like me! In San Diego, a quarter inch of rain is front page news. This is different, especially when you consider the 30,000 pound gross vehicle weight of our motorhome! And there’s also an unusually severe winter storm  in the area right now. Black ice is present on the route as are whiteout conditions and I’m not going to risk driving when either is present. The last time I saw black ice was years ago in Texas and it’ll be too soon for me if I never see it again. It’s treacherous!

This is a photo of the pass today. I’m not going to attempt to drive it.

I’m waiting for the pass to look more like this, but I doubt at this time of year I’ll get this lucky. After all, it is winter.

DETAILS ABOUT SISKIYOU SUMMIT. The pass is located approximately 4 miles north of the California border and it’s traversed by  Interstate 5. It’s the highest point on this road. Depending on which way you’re headed (north or south), the summit gains or loses 2,300 feet in altitude in just six miles on its 6 percent grades. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean combined with its high elevation and hazardous curves, brings with it brutal amounts of snowfall and freezing rain, which often  force Oregon D.O.T. officials to shut down the entire highway during winter.

Now that’s what I’m talking about!

HARSH WEATHER EXPECTED. The weather in this zone is harsh and highly unpredictable. It doesn’t take much time for bright sunshine to change over to heavy snow fall. But the road over Siskiyou Summit has been closed for the last few days and is typically closed to traffic many days during winter due to severe weather conditions. And even when the road’s open, reaching the summit can be a challenge due to snow and ice on the pavement. We don’t have snow chains, and local folks have recommended that we listen to updated weather information and road conditions on the radio before and during the entire journey through the pass.

The Pass has been opening and closing. Even when it’s been open, there have been weather reports like the ones below. I think we’ll just wait it out. 

HOLY UNDERWEAR, BATMAN!  LOOK AT THESE LOCAL WEATHER REPORTS. 

• Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches, with localized amounts up to 12 inches. South winds of 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph are expected at higher altitudes.
• Plan on slippery road conditions with blowing and drifting snow. Tree branches could fall. Be prepared for significantly reduced visibility. Roads will be icy.
• Carry tire chains.
• Difficult driving conditions especially for high profile vehicles. Loose objects becoming airborn.
• White out and blizzard conditions at times. Travel over the mountains is highly discouraged, as conditions will be extremely hazardous.

This is the portion of the awning that came loose during the high winds. I think we’ll have to replace the entire awning!

MORE TO COME. About a week ago, we had to stop driving due to high winds on the road. After we got settled, it began raining and the wind escalated to about 60 mph for sustained periods. Even though we’d “buttoned-up” as much as possible, an area on the awning that covers our large slide-out became a bit detached. It’ll need to be repaired or more likely replaced, so we’re going to take advantage of the down time that it will require as we wait for better weather. See you again soon.

OREGON OR BUST

I’ll continue my story next time.