Winter conditions arrive in Sisters

Folks in Sisters woke to a beautiful sunrise on Monday morning - and an inch or so of snow on the ground. A storm dropped far more than that along the Cascade crest, an earlier-than-usual arrival of winter conditions.

Photo by Cody Rheault

While the snow is pretty, and inculcates a spirit of the winter holidays, it does complicate travel, and locals and visitors are reminded to adapt to winter driving conditions as a mix of rain and snow showers are forecast to persist for the next week and more.

Staying safe on the roads

• Check your route and the weather. Use http://www.tripcheck.com for updated road closures and chain requirements.

• Drive slowly. Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice.

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don't try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight.

• Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads. Increase your following distance to five to six seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.

• Know your brakes. Whether you have anti-lock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.

• Don't stop if you can avoid it. There's a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.

• Don't power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads will just make your wheels spin. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly.

• Don't stop while going up a hill. There's nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.

• It is also a good idea to stay home and only go out if necessary. Even if you can drive well in bad weather, it's better to avoid taking unnecessary risks by venturing out.

Early snow in the backcountry will tempt cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers out into the woods and mountains, and Christmas tree hunters will be out looking for that perfect tree.

Some tips for those enjoying winter recreation on public lands:

• Plan the trip - check the weather, bring plenty of warm clothes, enough water for everyone for 3 days, emergency food, tire chains, shovel, flashlight, flares and/or something to start a fire with, camp saw or hatchet, and a cold weather sleeping bag or blankets.

• Have a full tank of gas, and be prepared for changing conditions. Let someone know the dates you will be gone.

• If the snow on the road is three inches or greater, turn around; conditions are not likely to improve ahead.

• Do not count on technology - GPS devices can steer drivers onto impassable roads, and cell phone service can be inconsistent.

• Pay attention to weather conditions, including increased winds and snowfall, to ensure plenty of time to safely head back home.