Sheriff’s Deputies from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office are assisting the Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Transportation with avalanches, motorists needing assistance, and vehicles blocking Highway 20 at Santiam Pass. Heavy snowfall has already caused one avalanche, and another has closed Santiam Pass near Milepost 79.1 at approximately 7:45PM tonight.
There is also a semi truck blocking passage on Highway 20 near Milepost 83. Reports indicate traffic is limited to one lane of travel.
No tow trucks from either side of Santiam Pass are responding to the snowy area to assist motorist tonight. Travelers stand a very high risk of being stranded if they travel over Santiam Pass while severe weather conditions, and avalanche dangers, exist.
Motorists are asked to avoid traveling over the Santiam Pass. However, should travel be necessary, please allow extra time for your travel, ensure you and your vehicle are properly equipped for the weather and road conditions, and check tripcheck.com before you travel.
