How to Prepare for Going Over Oregon's Mountain Passes in Winter

In Oregon there are many mountain passes: Willamette Pass Hwy58, I5 Siskiyou Summit, Santiam Pass 26, Warner Mt 148, I84 Cascade Locks, Blue Box Pass Hwy26, and others. Whether you are travelling for business, to visit family, or for the weekend ski trip, it is essential that you be prepared. These passes are beautiful covered in snow, but can be very dangerous too. Not only may being prepared save your life, but it could aid another stranded motorist.

Before you travel, you should always let someone know where you are going, how you are getting there and when you will be back. Tell a friend, neighbor, co-worker or family member. Without telling someone, nobody will know if you are missing; should something go wrong, at least somebody knows where you were headed.

Before you head out the door, check the road report. This can be done two ways in Oregon - Online at www.tripcheck.com, or by calling 511 in Oregon. The website is great, giving you many webcams to pick from, an interactive map of Oregon, and a regularly updated road condition report. Oregon's mountain passes do occasionally close for extreme weather and vehicle accidents. Also check the weather report for the areas you will be travelling thru. Road conditions can change very quickly.

Always bring chains, required or not. You never know when a storm may bring a lot more snow than predicted. Without chains, you could have to turn back. Worse yet, you could get stuck or cause and accident. Make sure you have the right size chains for your vehicle. Open the package read the instructions and make sure you know how to use them. Purchase chain tighteners. They look like thick rubber bands with many metal clips. These help secure the chains, and keep them from coming loose (and they are never included with the chains). Keep a pair of warm gloves and something to sit on, like a piece of cardboard, with the chains.

Make sure you add a couple of sleeping bags or warm blankets to the car before you take off. If you have to wait for several hours for an accident, temporary road closure, or avalanche to be cleared, it might get really cold. Also bring your warm coats, even if your final destination isn't cold.

Bring a cell phone but, make sure you charge it fully before leaving home. A dead cell phone is about as useful as a rock. While the cell phone gives us a sense of security, it won't likely work while going over the Oregon mountain passes. Reception is spotty at best, regardless of your cellular carrier.

Every car should have at least a few road flares. Make sure you do. Most of the time, the flares will be used to aid someone else. But, this is one of those things you really should never be driving without.

When ever you take a road trip it is advised to carry some food and water. Make sure the water is fresh and don't leave it where it will get frozen, i.e. the back of the truck. For food, just make sure you have a few snacks, some nuts and crackers will do fine.

The Oregon mountain passes are beautiful and full of wildlife. Enjoy, be prepared and drive safely.