Frigid winter blast smacks Sisters

Old Man Winter took his time making his way to Sisters, but when he finally arrived he made his presence felt with several inches of snow and frigid temperatures.

As usual, snow was heavier to the west of Sisters, where a modest three inches was reported Monday morning at the Sisters Ranger District weather station.

Hoodoo Mountain Resort reported "less snow than expected" with a total of 18 inches on the ground. The ski hill and the Autobahn tubing area remained closed as of Monday. The temperature Monday morning was -6 degrees, which is a 10-year record for the resort.

Santiam Pass remained open through the weekend's storms. Chains were required and there was a warning about windy conditions.

Snow is forecast throughout the week and the frigid temperatures will keep the Sisters Country in an icy grip through the weekend. The National Weather Service is predicting subzero lows in the Sisters Country on Thursday and Friday nights. Highs are expected to hover in the low 20s.

Extreme cold, especially when there is wind, can be deadly. People who work or play in the outdoors should take precautions to avoid frostbite on exposed skin or hypothermia.

The American Red Cross offers some safety tips for extreme cold weather:

• Dress appropriately before going outdoors. Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing conditions. Most of your body heat is lost through your head so wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears. Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves.

Wear waterproof, insulated boots to help avoid hypothermia or frostbite by keeping your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.

• Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.

• Get out of wet clothes immediately and warm the core body temperature with a blanket or warm fluids like hot cider or soup. Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol if you expect you or someone you are trying to help has hypothermia or frostbite.

• Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have any of these symptoms.

• Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy-feeling skin. Seek medical attention if you have any of these symptoms.

Pets, too, need extra protection when it turns cold.

The Humane Society notes that "despite their fur coats, domesticated animals like cats and dogs depend on humans for protection from elements such as freezing temperatures."

• Don't leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops below freezing. Dogs need outdoor exercise, but take care not to keep them out for lengthy periods during very cold weather.

• Wind-chill can threaten a pet's life, no matter what the temperature. Outdoor dogs must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with a flap of heavy waterproof fabric or heavy plastic.

• Pets spending a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter. Keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and not frozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.

• De-icing chemicals are hazardous. The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe the feet with a damp towel every time after coming in from outdoors - even if you don't see salt on walkways.

• Antifreeze is a deadly poison. However, it has a sweet taste that attracts animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach. Use antifreeze/coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or people.