Snow is deep on the Santiam Pass

As the temperature hovered at about 33 degrees F., large flakes of snow interspersed with rain brought a slush storm to Sisters.

Winter was whiter when winding westward to the Santiam Pass. According to an Oregon Department of Transportation Highway Division employee, the snow level on the pass has reached 66 inches.

About 36 inches had fallen in five days, since December 4.

For eight hours on Friday, December 6, a "conditional closure" was in effect, which meant that all vehicles, including those with studs or four wheel drive, were required to be using chains. No exceptions.

The Highway Division maintenance station at the Santiam Junction has six plows, two graders and two snow blowers. All have been in use 24 hours a day, driven by employees working 12-hour shifts.

As of Monday, the snow pack over the top was breaking up under warming temperatures.