Snowfall is beginning to stick

Cooler temperatures last weekend brought a white coating to the foothills of the Cascades, like this scene on Augusta Creek above Cougar Reservoir.

One of the annual indications that winter is beginning was reached last Thursday when the Oregon Dept. of Transportation closed the Old McKenzie Pass for the winter. Another, the opening of the Hoodoo Recreation Area for their 75th anniversary of operations may not make it for the Thanksgiving holiday. On Tuesday morning the snow base level was around 7.5 inches, which isn’t enough to open the slopes.

People who park in a Sno-Park from November 1st to April 30th, need a valid Sno-Park permit displayed in the windshield of their vehicles.

Oregon’s Sno-Park program helps provide parking at about 100 winter recreation parking areas (Sno-Parks) across the state. Sno-Parks are in most of Oregon’s mountain passes and in most ski, snowmobile, and snow play areas. A list of areas designated as Sno-Parks is available at http://www.tripcheck.com under “Travel Center.” Hoodoo, however, manages their parking area so no permits are required.

There are three types of permits at the ODOT managed sites: a $20 seasonal permit, a $7 three-day permit good for three consecutive days, and a $3 daily permit. Permits are sold at all DMV offices and by permit vendors at winter resorts, sporting goods stores, and other retail outlets. (Permit vendors may charge an additional service fee.)

A list of permit vendors is available at http://www.tripcheck.com under “Travel Center”. The seasonal permit is also available by mail from DMV. Send a written request with your return address, phone number, and a check or money order to DMV, Vehicle Mail No. 1, 1905 Lana Avenue, Salem, Oregon 97314.