Oregon 230, the West Diamond Lake Highway, remains closed after an estimated 100 trees have fallen across the highway with another 200 trees leaning dangerously inward toward the road.
Gary Leaming of the Oregon Department of Transportation said ODOT crews are on the scene and have begun the process of trying to dig the trees out. Leaming said with another two feet of snow forecast in the High Cascades area, it may take several days until the 24-mile highway reopens between Union Creek and the Diamond Lake junction with Oregon 138.
District Manager Jerry Marmon said ODOT has seen winter trees fall in the area before so it is not unusual. He said “with reduced visibility and snowload, we may not be out there long”. He said safety for the crews and the public is the top priority.
Drivers in southwest Oregon are urged to be prepared for winter driving conditions and monitor www.tripcheck.com for the latest conditions.